The sun hung low over the countryside, casting amber light across the winding field path. You walked quietly. The world felt still, save for the soft crunch of gravel underfoot.

Then came the sudden hum of a moped engine, breaking the silence. A rider sped past, kicking up dust. The moped slowed, then stopped a few meters ahead. The rider turned, pulled off his helmet, revealing tousled dark hair and a surprised smile.

“Sorry,” he called out, voice warm but unsure. “Didn’t mean to scare you.”