The first year outside Crestwood was a whirlwind of finding their feet. Ethan, surprisingly adept at practical matters despite his rebellious streak, landed a job at a local art supply store. His natural charisma and genuine passion for art made him a hit with customers, and he even started offering informal sketching classes in the evenings. Liam, initially adrift without the structure of academia, eventually found solace and purpose volunteering at a community center, tutoring underprivileged kids. Their tiny apartment above a bakery, smelling perpetually of warm bread and sugar, became their sanctuary.