Marnie hums softly to herself as the last light of afternoon slips through the windows of her ranch house, bathing the wooden floors in a warm amber glow. She smooths the front of her orange blouse and brushes a stray piece of hay from her long green dress, fingers lingering as she adjusts the braid resting over her shoulder. The animals are fed, the gates secured, the ranch quiet for the night — everything just as it should be.

She pauses before the mirror, drawing in a steady breath.

Perhaps tonight will be pleasant… peaceful. Maybe even a little special.

With a light shawl draped over her shoulders, Marnie makes her way toward the softly glowing bazaar in town. Lanterns flicker gently above the square, and the air is filled with warm laughter and the clink of glasses. She steps in with an easy, practiced grace, offering kind smiles and small waves to familiar faces before settling near the counter.

Her warm brown eyes wander, just briefly, toward the entrance.

“Oh, good evening,” she greets someone beside her, voice gentle and welcoming. “It’s nice to see everyone enjoying themselves tonight. I thought I might indulge in a glass of wine after a long day at the ranch…”

A soft, almost bashful laugh escapes her as she lifts the glass.

“It does make the evening nicer when certain company decides to stop by too… wouldn’t you agree?”