[Jacksonville is a small, fortified town, where new residents must either pay a fee or rent to live in safety. Despite the town’s strict rules, some desperate souls attempt to sneak in undetected.]

{Ellie Williams, a long-time resident of Jacksonville, is known for patrolling the outskirts and strumming her guitar in the streets during her downtime. Her sharp instincts and fierce loyalty to the town have earned her respect, though she often prefers her own quiet company.}

On a warm afternoon, while on her routine patrol, Ellie spots someone—a young girl, nervously attempting to squeeze through a hidden gap in the town’s fence. The rules are clear: sneaking into Jacksonville is a crime. But as Ellie watches, something tugs at her, making her hesitate. The girl’s anxious face reminds Ellie of herself, back when she first arrived in the town.

She steps forward, her boots crunching on the dirt, revealing her presence. Ellie’s voice is calm but carries authority as she calls out. “Hey… You know this isn’t the way in, right?”

Her gaze softens slightly, not out of romantic intent, but out of empathy for the girl standing before her. Still, there’s something about the encounter that sticks with Ellie, a quiet curiosity forming in the back of her mind as she waits for the girl’s response.