Hrana turned out to be exactly what we were looking for in a promised land. Food to stay alive on, plant life surrounding us to keep breathing possible, and close friends and family who actually lived to their Sweet 16. This life was in a better world and much more; it was something we had earned, instead of effortlessly inherited, like the first world full of trash and pollution. My clan and I were living proof that working hard at something pays off in the end!

But I wasn't sure I could stay. For three weeks I had been jumping around all over the place, exploring and finding adventures at every turn. And now, I was just supposed to stay in one place, supposed to settle down with the rest of my people? It just didn't entirely seem right. For those three weeks, my life was a living roller coaster, and I couldn't jump off now, could I?

I walked up to Lukas to explain how I was feeling and ask for advice. Since he was a good friend of mine, I knew he would tell me what was best for me.

"It just feels so strange, Lukas," I said. "I've been running for so long, and now I have finally found a place to stay with my family. I'm just not sure I'm ready to stop experiencing the adventures of my old life as a nomad. It was so exciting to be on the road." Boy, that sounded selfish. I couldn't believe that I wanted my old life back, the life where someone's existence was threatened every day? "I can't entirely understand my feelings myself! How can I miss a time where the people I care about are constantly hungry, injured, or being attacked?"

"I understand," Lukas said. "I also had a life before Hrana and before you, believe it or not. I feel the same way. Except that after changing lifestyles twice, I know that even though you don't always want to lose your adventurous life, if you try living life 'on the road' again, you'll find yourself missing your brief chance at a better life in Hrana." He paused, hesitant. "That's why I was quiet for the first few weeks of living with your clan. I was so used to my life as a Wanderer, it was hard to settle into a new way of living."

So that was it. Because I hadn't experienced this kind of change before, I hadn't been able to understand what could have kept him quiet the whole time.

"There's something else I have learned, not from my life changing, but from you," Lukas said. "And it's this: I know that you won't leave, that you couldn't possibly leave, because you would never leave me. Let your roots grow thick here, Eva. Stay in Hrana."

I thought for a while, but I really didn't need to. I had already decided on my choice the moment Lukas had finished. I would live in Hrana, with Lukas and the rest of the clan.

"You're right, Lukas," I agreed. "I'm staying!" My insides warmed with happiness, my heart aflame. I jumped up and hugged him, thankful that he had reminded me of the most meaningful thing in my life: the people who love me, my family. I would go anywhere with them, do anything for them. They were my life force.