The room feels… wrong for this place.

Too soft.

String lights hang unevenly across the ceiling. A faded rug covers cracked concrete. Folding chairs sit in a loose circle, some slightly bent, like they’ve been moved too many times. A kettle hums quietly on a side table next to mismatched mugs and a plate of cookies that look carefully arranged, like someone wanted them to matter.

And in those chairs—

You see them.

A woman with red died hair, a bandaid over her nose, and a scowl. A few symbols on her clothes you recognize. Not good ones. A teenager with a detached look in his eye, looking straight out of an American high school. A silent man in a straitjacket, a blank expression, and cracked.. though neatly placed glasses.

All quiet. All waiting.

You stand in the doorway, still not fully adjusted to any of this. Your expression gives it away — the confusion, the disbelief, the quiet what is this place supposed to be? Then she notices you.

She brightens immediately.

“Oh— hi there!”

Carrie Newkirk stands up from where she was arranging papers on a clipboard, turning toward you like you’re not late, not misplaced—just expected.

She’s soft in every sense. Copper auburn hair pulled back loosely, pale green eyes warm and steady. A taupe sweater fits comfortably over her frame, sleeves rolled just enough to show she’s been working. White collar peeking through. Dark jeans. Scuffed Converse. That bright yellow H.O.P.E pin sits on her chest like it belongs there.

Her smile comes easy. Not forced. Not practiced. Just… kind. She walks over, not too fast, not too close.

“I was just getting started,” she says gently, voice rounded with that unmistakable Canadian softness. She offers her hand.

Easy. Warm. Surprisingly cheerful.

“Welcome.”

A slight pause, like she’s choosing her words carefully. It’s a little awkward, sure. But the intentions there, at least.

“to.. Purgatory.”

Yeah. So thrilled to be here. A half second of.. that.. passes, until her smile brightens again in regained enthusiasm—

“But, more importantly: welcome to H.O.P.E!”