‘Oh, there’s a much better place just a couple of blocks down. Frank’s – been around forever. Does the best cinnamon rolls too.’

Hannah smiled, her mouth watering already. ‘Perfect, thanks for the recommendation.’ She popped the rolled-up wire in the pocket of her blazer. ‘And the charger.’

Manhattan was ablaze in the morning sunshine as she stepped out of the building onto the bustling Upper East Side during the commute rush. The city rose before her like a phoenix, its sheer magnificence almost too much to take in all at once.

Cars and bicycles moved briskly along the streets, while purposeful pedestrians carrying coffee cups and briefcases filled the intersections and overflowed into doorways as they hurried past one another.

There was a unique energy here that always filled Hannah with a sense of awe, and as she glanced around she couldn’t help but marvel at how much the city had changed over the years, all the same. So many shiny new skyscrapers – colossal edifices of glass and steel – towered above the lower-rise brownstones and older ornate construction so prevalent in this part of town.

The sidewalks were full to bursting with people – rich, poor, and everything in between – all hustling and bustling with their own unique purpose and destination. It was as if every person walking by had gathered together their hopes and dreams and poured them into this town, suffusing it with life. She knew exactly how that felt, having done it herself all those years ago.

As Hannah ambled along in the sunshine, her skin prickled with a sense of optimism and anticipation. Everywhere she looked were signs of spring – vibrant blossoms of tulips and brilliant yellow daffodils, heralding warmer days to come. And as she continued her journey along the edge of Central Park, the recreational space looked even more alive with its unique display of colour and beauty.

Unable to resist ducking inside for a bit on her way, the more beautiful everything became. The trees were in full bloom, displaying their lush greens and cherry blossom pinks in contrast to the bright-blue sky. And surrounding it all stood so many classic landmark buildings from old New York – intricately detailed brownstones and mansions, a marked contrast to the modern skyscrapers towering above them. It was always here within the confines of this verdant space that she truly felt the energy and beauty of the city. A quiet oasis amid the chaos.

That was something she’d definitely missed in a car-centric city like LA, and while there were some wonderful individual neighbourhoods there, there was no replicating New York’s unique combination of conversations, laughter, or dizzying array of sounds and smells. And today, as Hannah wandered through it, the city felt more than just a place of nostalgia – it was a new beginning, a fresh start that held as much potential as it did uncertainty.

Anything could happen here.