One could only see so many trees before it starts getting repetitive. Katie Rivera has been traveling so many times to learn that was all too true. She is a fifteen year old girl that has long dark brown hair that reached her mid back she had captivating brown  eyes she wore a white and black shirt, black shorts some blacks socks and white and black Nike Shoes.

The girl leaned her head against the cool window of her dad's truck, her hair swaying gently as she watched the trees blur into a green like mosaic as they sped down the highway the familiar sound of the truck's engine was a comforting background sound to her.
Her dad, Conner, was the driver of the truck his Marine cap on his head the brim of it casting a shadow over his face, serious and kind.

He had this sort of quiet strength about him, a presence that had made Katie feel safe, even when she was in the most unfamiliar of places. Conner was a tall man with jet black hair and brown eyes he was wearing a red and white shirt with black jeans and white shoes.
Beside him her mother Aurora had a roadmap in her hands she was a pretty woman who had blonde hair and blue eyes she had a orange shirt black tights and tennis shoes. Though Aurora had a roadmap Katie knew it was just for reassurance than necessity. Her dad was always a master of navigation, if anyone suggested that he use GPS he'd find that insulting.

Katie shifted in her seat trying make herself more comfortable in it though she was next a bunch of boxes and bags that crowded the back seat of the truck. It was quite the familiar scene to her. She honestly lost count all the times they had to move in the past fifteen years Henderson, San Diego, San Antonio, Heck even Pearl Harbor and  Okinawa. All of which and many others had all been a temporary home.

But this move was different. This time they were headed to Gatlinburg, Tennessee a place her dad had chosen to settle down for good. Conner had retired after getting The Medal of Honor which marked the end of a chapter and also acted as a prelude to a new one in Gatlinburg. It was a small town that was in the middle of the fabulous Great Smokey Mountains, which was a very big difference from the places she was used to. Katie's heart fluttered with excitement and a bit of anxiety at the thought of settling down, of staying in one place for more than a few years it was all she ever wanted.

She glanced out her  window again taking in all of the dense forests and rolling hills that was the Smokey Mountains. Gatlinburg was just a couple miles ahead it was a town nestled in nature it was a large contrast to the marine bases and costal cities she had lived in.

The idea of having a permanent home while comforting was kind of unsettling. She had grown used to the constant change, finding a stability in the instability. But that was then this is now and the thought of staying in one place for more than a few years was something she had to adjust to.

It wasn't to long till they finally arrived in Gatlinburg Katie felt awed at the sight of the town, She seen the pictures of the town online but... seeing it in person was a whole different story. The quaint town seem almost like a painting with it's charming streets, rustic shops and the ever-present backdrop of the mountains a world away the marine bases and landscapes she knew.

"Welcome to Gatlinburg," Conner announced as they passed the town's sign.

After a while the truck rumbled up the driveway of their new home, a cozy looking two-story home with a wraparound porch. It was surrounded by trees their leaves rustling gently in the summer breeze. Katie stepped out of the truck, stretching her legs and looking around. The air smelled of pine, a refreshing change from the salty sea breezes of their old homes.

"This is it,our new home." Aurora said her eyes twinkling with excitement as she and her husband got out to the truck.

"It took us long enough to find a permanent home,"
Conner said. Katie couldn't tell if her dad was serious or teasing. Things like that were always to tell with him.

Conner led the way up the creaky wooden steps of the porch turning the key in the lock. The door groaned as it swung open, revealing the dim interior. Katie and Aurora followed closely behind, their footsteps echoing in the empty space.

"Well, I guess this would explain why this place was so cheap." Conner remarked to his Wife and Daughter, his voice a mix of humor and resignation.

Inside the house was dilapidated a combination of dust and disuse. The foyer opened into a spacious living room with a large stone fireplace as it's centerpiece. Dust mites danced in the sunlight that filtered through the windows. The wooden floors creaked under their weight and cobwebs hung in the corners.

To the right side of the room an archway led into the kitchen. Aurora peeked inside and saw a vintage looking stove and an old-fashioned refrigerator, their surfaces covered in a fine layer of dust. The cabinets though they were sturdy look like they hadn't been opened in years. Already, she was envisioning the many meals they would cook together here, bringing warmth and life back to the space.

Meanwhile, Katie wandered into what looked like a dining room where an antique looking chandelier hung from the ceiling. A table it's surface noticeably marred by time, stood in the center of the room, surrounded by mismatched chairs. She ran her fingers along the table's edge, imagining family dinners and laughter filling the room.

The staircase in the foyer led to the second floor where they found a series of bedrooms. Each room held it's own signs of neglect—faded wallpaper, cracked ceilings, and windows that had long been shut against the elements. Yet, despite all the wear and tear, Katie could see potential in the house a certain charm beneath the surface.

Katie walked through the dusty hallway, each of her steps a soft creak on the wooden floor. The house had an stillness a silence that hinted at its long abandonment. She moved slowly taking in all the details: faded wallpaper the cobwebs draped everywhere, and there is a squeak of a floorboard that seemed to protest her presence.

She peeked into each room imagining what it might become in the coming weeks months and years. The first door opened up to what looked like a small bedroom more than likely for a guest. It was cozy but it was a bit more cramped than what she'd would've preferred. The next room was larger looking with a bay window that overlooked the front yard and the drive way. She considered it picturing her desk beneath the window the sunlight and the sunlight steaming in as she worked on her photos, art, and homework.

As she continued down the hall, she noticed a door at the very end. It seemed to be more secluded, away from the others. Curiosity overpowering her she opened the fire and stepped inside. The room was quite spacious with slanted ceilings and large windows that offered a breathtaking view of the dense forest behind the house. The late afternoon light filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the floor.

Katie wandered over to the window and looked out of it. She could see a treehouse nestled among the branches of a towering oak tree it looked like it hadn't been used in years but it sparked her imagination anyway. This room felt like a retreat, a place where she could escape and find peace after a long day.

She turned, her eyes scanning the room. The walls were painted a soft red now faded with time but the color was nice. There was an old built-in bookshelf on one wall, it's shelves empty and itching to be filled. She could picture her favorite novels lined up there a cozy reading book by the window and her sketches and photos pinned up on the walls.

Katie's heart lifted. This room had character and with work and time, it could be her sanctuary. Already she could see herself sitting by the window with her camera and sketchbook the forest providing a serene background to her creative moments.

"This is it," she whispered to herself feeling a sense of serenity and certainty "This is gonna be my room."

Soon enough she heard footsteps and turned to see her parents watching her with warm smiles.

"Did you find a spot you like?" Aurora asked, her eyes twinkling.

Katie nodded.  a smile spreading across her face. "Yes I think so. This room is perfect. It's got a great view and so much space."

Just then Conner's phone started ringing. He looked at the screen and answered.

"Hello?" Conner answered, curiosity dripping from his tone.

Katie watched as her father's expression shifted from mild curiosity to frustration. His brows furrowed and he rubbed the back of his neck a clear sign that told Katie whatever news her dad was getting wasn't good.

"You gotta be kidding me." Conner said his voice rising slightly. "How much longer?

Katie and Aurora exchanged concerned glances. Aurora stepped closer, gently touching Conner's arm.

"Okay, but this is just unacceptable," Conner continued, his jaw tightening. "We've literally been planning this move for months. You can't just—" He stopped for a bit listening. "Fine I'll hold."

He put his phone on speaker and a disembodied voice filled the room as it said, "We apologize for this inconvenience, Mr Rivera. Unfortunately due to an unforeseen mechanical issue with the truck, we are experiencing delays. We estimate the arrival of your belongings to be delayed for at least 2 days from today.

"2 days?" Conner repeated exasperated. "We can't wait that long. We have essentials we need immediately."

"We understand your frustration, sir," The voice responded. We're doing everything we can to expedite the repairs, parts need to be ordered and shipped. It's out of our control."

Conner sighed running a hand through his hair. "Is there any way we can get at least some of our stuff sooner? We need basics like clothes and kitchen supplies."

"We will try to prioritize your request, Mr. Rivera, but we can't make any promises. We appreciate your patience."

Conner ended the call and slipped the phone into his pocket. He looked at Aurora and Katie his frustration evident to the two women.

"This is just great." He muttered. "Two days without our stuff. How are we to manage?"

Aurora squeezed his arm reassuringly. "We'll figure it out honey. We've dealt with worse remember? We can pick up a few essentials form the store and make do until the truck arrives."

Katie mentally screamed in rage. She tried to stay positive for her dad's sake but inside, she felt her own rage and frustration boiling.

"Great Just Great, Just what we needed. Two days without our things." Katie was thinking. This wasn't even the first time that their plans had been derailed by something out of their control, far from it. Moving was always like this, unpredictable and very stressful. Every time they started to settle in, another relocation order would come in, uprooting them again. She remembered all the boxes, the saying goodbyes to friends she barely had time to know, and the struggle to adjust to another new school.

Even when she was little, Katie had thought moving difficult. Every time her dad came home with the news that they had to relocate, she felt her heart sink in. She remembered all the things she did to stop it.

The first time they had to move to Henderson, Virginia Katie was just three years old. She didn't understand why they had to leave the house she loved so much. She hid her two favorite stuffed animals Mr. Bear and Ms. Bunny in the belief that if she couldn't find it, they wouldn't have to go. When the movers found them , she burst into tears clutching both stuff animals together as they packed the rest of their things.

When they had to go San Diego California, Her five year old self believed that if her toys and other things  were hidden they couldn't leave, she spent several hours one afternoon tucking her favorite stuffed animals, dolls, and books into every nook and cranny in the house: under the bed, behind the couch, and even inside kitchen cabinets and safes.

Her parents found her attempt endearing and amusing but futile.

When she was about seven, they had to move to Hawaii she tried to run away but the girl barely made it from two feet from the bushes before realizing she had nowhere else to go. So instead she wrote a letter to the Marines asking them to let her dad stay because she made her first friend, Sarah. She never got a response and leaving Sarah behind was one of the most hardest things she'd ever done.

When they had to move from Hawaii eight year old Katie took a different approach. She attempted to pack everything up on her own thinking that if she was to slow they wouldn't be able to leave on time. She carefully wrapped her toys in layers of bubble wrap making a mess. Her parents amused but touched helped her pack properly and told her that their new place would be just as nice.

From Okinawa, Japan to Naples,Italy in Japan When Katie was 10 She locked herself in her room refusing to come out. She had made close friends at her international school and loved all the culture and food. Her mother Aurora sat outside her door telling her stories about their new destination and how she'll get to see some of her ancestry and all the adventures they would have. Eventually Katie relented but her heart ached at the thought of leaving behind another home.

From Naples, Italy to San Antonio, Texas: At eleven Katie tried a more strategic approach. She made a very detailed list of all the reasons they shouldn't leave including all the culture, the delicious gelato and her new passion for soccer and cheerleading. She presented to her parents who listened patiently. But explained to her that her father's duty required them to go.

From San Antonio, Texas to Yuma, Arizona: Moving from Texas was particularly hard. Katie had been accepted into a prestigious art program and had finally started to feel like she belonged. She begged and pleaded with her parents to stay with a family friend until the school year ended. While they did consider it, they ultimately decided it was best to keep the family together.

From Yuma, Arizona to Long Island , New York: By the time they moved from Arizona Katie was thirteen and grown tired of the constant upheaval. She decided to start a petition at school, gathering signatures from classmates and teachers who didn't want her to leave. Her parents admired her determination but stated that the decision wasn't theirs to make.

From Long Island New York to Tampa,Florida: The move from New York was the last straw for Fourteen year old Katie. She straight up refused to pack hoping that if she didn't prepare, they couldn't leave. Her dad had to sit her down and explain the importance of his job and how much they relied on each other as a family. He promised this move might one of the last as he was nearing retirement.

Maybe this time, things will be different she thought, holding on to a glimmer of hope  This time we can stay.

She noticed that her parents have left her room more than likely to discuss the supplies.Katie walked over to the window of her new room staring out at her new unfamiliar neighborhood. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the lawn and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the trees lining the street. As she took in her surroundings her eyes landed on the house next door. It was a quaint two story home home with a well-maintained looking garden and what looked to be a swing in the front yard.

Curiosity piqued, Katie's gaze drifted towards to the second-floor window directly across from her. The she saw a boy about her age he had light brown hair a red cap and Red and white checkered patterned shirt, striking blue eyes, black jogging pants and socks. He was sitting at a desk deeply engrossed in a book. His room was neatly organized with shelves of book and playing cards and model cars she also noticed that he had what looked to be yearbooks on his shelves as well. She also noticed that he was kinda... cute. He also seemed to oblivious to the world outside, lost in whatever he was reading.

Who is he? Katie wondered, feeling curious. Is he going to be in my class?

She watched him for a few moments longer noting the way his brow furrowed in concentration and slight smile that tugged at the corners of his mouth as he turned a page. There was something peaceful about him something that drew her in.

As if he sensed her gaze the boy suddenly looked up his blue eyes meeting her brown ones Katie felt a jolt of surprise and embarrassment, quickly stepping back from the window. She hesitated for a moment before slowly peeking out again. To her relief, the boy was still looking at her, a curious expression on his face.

Katie lifted a hand in a wave hoping to convey that she was friendly. The boy hesitated for a moment before lifting his own hand in response, his smile growing wider.