Sanctuary: Safe Haven

The man briefly glanced back before gently kissing his wife on the cheek.

"Want to come with me, honey?" he asked as he stood up and extended his hand.

The woman looked at his hand for a few seconds before slowly taking it.

"Through the scariest seas, hottest deserts, or the coldest places, know I will always be with you," she said, standing up and kissing him lovingly.

She then gently rubbed the small bump on her stomach. "We'll always be with you."

The man smiled at his wife, then nodded to his assistant.

Year 2059

Earth had made great progress in technology, transportation, and overall quality of life. However, sacrifices were made along the way.

One major sacrifice was land. From 2025 to 2037, the human population grew significantly, leading to a space crisis. Squatter areas sprang up, and issues with food, hygiene, and safety arose.

The government decided to convert protected forests into suburbs. Despite heavy protests from environmentalists, the decision was implemented. Animals in the forests were captured and sold, and expansion continued into other natural reserves.

By 2042, the expansion was complete, providing homes for people but causing the destruction of many plants and animals.

In 2048, world leaders agreed to build a colossal sanctuary to protect remaining wildlife. The project, called "Sanctuary: Safe Haven," involved teams of environmental scientists, ecologists, botanists, and zoologists.

Ruseigner Yakane and his wife, Mae Yakane, renowned conservationists with impressive track records, led the project. By 2057, the Sanctuary was completed, housing thousands of animals and plants. Despite challenges, the couple's hard work ensured success.

The Yakane couple had dedicated their lives to conservation, working tirelessly to protect the environment. Their efforts were recognized globally, and they were often invited to speak at international conferences. They had a unique bond, strengthened by their shared passion for preserving nature. This passion drove them to work long hours, often sacrificing personal time for the greater good.

Despite their busy schedules, they always made time for each other. They understood the importance of balancing their professional and personal lives. They enjoyed taking long walks in nature, finding solace and inspiration in the beauty of the world they fought so hard to protect.

Their son, Froja, inherited their love for nature. Even at a young age, he showed a keen interest in animals and plants. He often accompanied his parents to the Sanctuary, where he learned about different species and their habitats. His parents encouraged his curiosity, providing him with books and educational materials to nurture his interests.

As Froja grew older, he became more involved in his parents' work. He helped with various tasks at the Sanctuary, from feeding animals to planting trees. He was eager to learn and always asked questions, wanting to understand the intricate details of conservation work.

The Yakane family had a strong sense of purpose. They knew their work was crucial for the future of the planet. They were determined to leave a lasting legacy, one that would inspire future generations to continue the fight for environmental preservation.

September 27, 2059

A young boy with black hair watched TV with a chinchilla sleeping on his lap.

"Froja, it's past your bedtime. A 9-year-old like you needs sleep to grow," his mom said.

Froja sighed, knowing it was best to listen. He turned off the TV, kissed his mom goodnight, and headed to bed. "Milo, let's sleep well and take care of the turtle enclosure tomorrow," he said to the chinchilla.

Soon, tiny breaths could be heard from his room.

Downstairs, his mom tidied up the living room, waiting for her husband to join her for dinner.

Mae sat quietly on the couch, the dim light of the room casting soft shadows on her face. She glanced at the clock, noting that it was already past Froja's bedtime. She had been feeling more tired lately, the pregnancy taking a toll on her energy levels. But she always found a way to stay awake until Ruseigner came home.

It was their nightly ritual to share a late dinner, catching up on each other's day.

Mae was deeply proud of the Sanctuary and the work they had accomplished. It wasn't just a project; it was a testament to their dedication and love for the planet. She often thought about the early days when they first started, the countless hours spent planning, and the many challenges they faced. Those memories made the current success even sweeter.

Tonight, she had prepared a simple but hearty meal, knowing that Ruseigner would be exhausted. The aroma of baked chicken and roasted vegetables filled the room, a comforting reminder of home. She set the table, her movements slow and deliberate, taking care not to strain herself.

In Froja's room, the little boy was already dreaming. He had an active imagination, often filled with adventures involving the animals at the Sanctuary. Tonight, he dreamt of exploring a lush jungle, discovering new species of plants and animals. His dreams were vivid and colorful, reflecting his boundless curiosity and enthusiasm for nature.

Meanwhile, Ruseigner was wrapping up his work. The documents on his desk were a mix of progress reports, environmental impact assessments, and future plans for the Sanctuary. He felt a deep sense of responsibility for the project. It wasn't just about protecting the environment; it was about ensuring a sustainable future for his children and future generations.

Driving home, Ruseigner was lost in thought and didn't notice two black minivans approaching. The road was quiet, and his mind wandered to Mae and Froja, thinking about their future and the legacy he was building for them. He didn't see the danger lurking in the shadows.

Suddenly, loud gunfire erupted in the night. The piercing sounds of automatic rifles shattered the calm, and Ruseigner's car swerved violently. Bullets riddled the vehicle, shattering windows and puncturing tires. Ruseigner tried to regain control, but it was too late. The car skidded off the road and came to a crashing halt against a tree.

Back at home, Mae felt a sudden chill. She looked at the clock again, worry creeping into her mind. It wasn't like Ruseigner to be late without calling. She picked up her phone, dialing his number, but there was no answer. The ringing tone seemed to go on forever before it finally went to voicemail.

Mae's anxiety grew with each passing minute. She tried to stay calm, telling herself that he was probably caught up with work or traffic. But deep down, a gnawing fear took root.

In the darkness, the two minivans sped away, leaving Ruseigner's lifeless body behind. The echoes of gunfire faded into the night, and an eerie silence settled over the scene.

The next morning, Mae woke up early, having barely slept. She hoped to see Ruseigner's car in the driveway, but it was empty. Panic set in, and she called the police, reporting him missing. Hours later, a knock on the door changed her life forever.

Two officers stood solemnly on the porch, their faces grave. "Mrs. Yakane, we need to speak with you," one of them said gently. The news hit her like a tidal wave, the weight of their words crushing her. Ruseigner was gone, killed in an apparent targeted attack.

Mae collapsed, tears streaming down her face. The future she had envisioned with Ruseigner shattered in an instant. Froja, still too young to understand fully, sensed the profound sadness in the house. He clung to his mother, confused and scared.

In the days that followed, Mae struggled to cope with the loss. She was now the sole guardian of their dream, the Sanctuary, and their family. The responsibility felt overwhelming, but she knew she had to carry on. For Ruseigner, for Froja, and for their unborn child.

Despite the immense grief, Mae found strength in their shared vision. She vowed to continue the work they had started, to honor Ruseigner's legacy. The Sanctuary would thrive, a beacon of hope in a world that desperately needed it.

And as Mae stood in front of the Sanctuary, looking at the thriving plants and animals, she whispered a promise to the wind. "We'll always be with you, Ruseigner. Your dream lives on."