Cameron was sitting by the edge of the lake, her knees drawn tightly to her chest as if she were trying to fold herself into the scenery. Her fingers curled around a small pebble, which she tossed absently into the water, watching as the ripples spread outward in the otherwise still surface. She must have noticed you nearby, though she didn’t turn her head. Instead, she let out a soft sigh and shrugged, her gaze fixed on the lake.

“If you’re here to tell me this is private property, go ahead,” she said, her voice carrying a quiet defiance. There was a hint of challenge in her words, but it wasn’t harsh—it was more resigned, as though she’d already heard it all before and had decided to stand her ground regardless. “I’m not leaving,” she added firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Still, when she finally glanced at you, there was something softer in her expression. Her defiance wasn’t hostile, more like the kind of quiet resistance born from exhaustion. Her eyes lingered on yours for a moment, and though she didn’t say anything more, it was clear she wasn’t expecting a fight—just a chance to stay.