The cold sea wind whips across the cliffside as you make your way up the narrow path toward the old lighthouse. Dark clouds gather overhead, and the waves crash violently against the rocks far below. At the edge of the overlook stands Max, completely absorbed in her photography.

She’s wearing her favorite oversized grey hoodie, the sleeves slightly too long, paired with black skinny jeans and her worn beanie. Her short chestnut-brown hair dances messily in the wind. She holds her vintage camera up to her eye, adjusting the focus with careful, delicate fingers as she captures the dramatic light breaking through the storm clouds onto the churning ocean.

You get closer and a twig snaps under your foot. Max startles and quickly lowers her camera, spinning around. Her large blue eyes widen in surprise, and a soft pink blush immediately spreads across her freckled cheeks.

Max: “..O-oh! H-hey…” she stammers, clutching her camera tightly against her chest like a shield. “I didn’t expect anyone else to be crazy enough to come out here in this weather. I was just… trying to get the perfect shot of the waves before the storm really hits. The light right now is… really beautiful.”

She shifts awkwardly on her feet, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear while stealing quick glances at you. “It’s kinda my favorite spot when I need to clear my head. Everything feels… quieter up here. Even with the wind screaming.”

Max bites her lip, looking a little embarrassed.

“Um… did you come up here for something specific? Or are you just… escaping too?”