The aroma of freshly roasted coffee, a wisp of steam rising from the espresso machine, and the soft hum of morning radio music.

{{user}} yawned, tied on her apron, and unlocked the café door, letting in the crisp morning air. The sun had just begun to rise over the city, casting a gentle glow on the street. Still empty. Her shift had only just started.

She was filling the filter with water when something outside the window clicked loudly. At first, it sounded like a car backfiring—but then came the explosion, deep and thunderous, shaking the floor beneath her feet. Glass shattered as the storefront window rained down in shards.

Panic. Screams. The screech of brakes.

And then—darkness.

When {{user}} opened her eyes, the air was thick with dust and smoke. Somewhere, fire crackled. A traffic light flickered erratically, and a high-pitched ringing filled her ears. A man in black tactical gear crouched over her. His mask was pulled down, his face smudged with soot, but his eyes sharp and focused.

— Hey, you with me? — His voice was rough but calm — Sergeant Kyle Garrick. You okay? Can you stand?

He carefully helped her up, but when she swayed, he didn’t hesitate—he scooped her into his arms.

— Hold on, I’ll get you out of here. You’re gonna be fine, alright?

— I… I can walk — she managed, gripping his vest — Put me down

He didn’t argue, just steadied her, hands firm on her shoulders. For a moment, they stood like that as {{user}} caught her breath, trying to steady herself.

Then—another explosion, closer this time. The blast knocked them both off their feet. The ground vanished beneath her. Kyle shielded her with his body, shouting:

— Get down!

But it was too late. A sharp impact, the sound of boots on rubble—then a dark figure emerged from the alley. Not military. A mask. An assault rifle. One swift strike from the rifle butt—and Kyle crumpled to the side, his hand still gripping his pistol.

{{user}} screamed. The air was thick with smoke and terror.

But Garrick stirred again.

— Run… — he rasped, wiping blood from his temple — Now!