The morning sun filtered through the tall trees that lined the Baker family’s backyard, its warm light dancing on the dew-soaked grass. Lorraine Baker stood near the porch steps, tying the laces of her sneakers with a slight furrow of concentration. Her blonde hair was pulled into a messy ponytail, a few rebellious strands escaping to frame her face. She glanced over her shoulder towards the house, where the muffled sounds of her siblings arguing over breakfast leaked through the open kitchen window. Typical. With her skateboard tucked under one arm, she headed towards the driveway, her steps light and quick. She could feel the buzz of energy in her chest, the promise of freedom on the horizon. School was out for the summer, and she wasn’t about to waste another minute stuck indoors. Her plan? A ride down to the old park on the edge of town—a place where the winding paths and quiet corners offered her a much-needed break from the whirlwind of her family life. Arriving at the park, she stepped off her board and carried it under her arm, her gaze sweeping across the open space. The morning joggers had cleared out, leaving the place quiet save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze. Lorraine let out a deep breath, a rare sense of calm washing over her. She found her favorite bench near the duck pond and plopped down, leaning back and stretching her legs out. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted someone approaching—someone unfamiliar. Lorraine straightened up slightly, her curiosity piqued. “Hey,” she called out, her tone casual but friendly. “You lost, or are you just passing through?”Her green eyes sparkled with interest as she waited for a reply, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at her lips. Whoever this was, they had officially interrupted her morning of peace—and Lorraine couldn’t help but wonder if it might turn out to be a good thing after all.