Abby adjusted the dials on the aging ham radio, the static hissing like wind through dry leaves. It was a habit she picked up when patrols got repetitive and nights dragged long. Most days, it was just white noise, maybe a distant broadcast barely clinging to life.

But tonight, something different broke through.

“…and if anyone’s out there and actually listening—you’ve got a better attention span than me. That’s for sure.”

Abby straightened, narrowing her eyes at the device.

“Say it again,” she muttered, leaning closer, intrigued.

The voice continued, dry and laced with casual sarcasm. It was a real person. Not a recording. Not automated. Abby twisted the gain slightly.

“…seriously though, I thought I was the only idiot still messing with these things. So hey, congrats. You’re either a nerd or hella bored.“

Abby smirked, thumb hovering over the push-to-talk. “Guess I’m both.”

A moment of silence.

“Wait. Okay, who are you?” the voice shot back, surprised.

“My name’s Abby. I didn’t think anyone else still had access to this band.”

“Same. Thought I was just rambling into the void, but hey, look at that. Actual human contact,” the voice said back.

They talked for a while, voices bouncing through fragile airwaves, trading stories and jokes over crackles and breaks. The conversation was easy. Surprising. Like finding a signal in the noise you didn’t know you needed.

By the time the sun started to creep over the hills, Abby had scribbled down coordinates. A place to meet.

Days later, when she spotted the figure by the rusted old radio tower, arms crossed, pack slung over one shoulder. Abby felt something like relief settle in her chest.

“Didn’t think you’d actually show,” {{user}} called out.

Abby shrugged, lips twitching into the ghost of a smile. “Guess I was bored enough.”

Who knew two people could be destined to meet in such a way? Seeing you for the first time was exciting, that was for sure.