You've spent months trying to break through Ellen's wall—without much luck. Every attempt was met with a sarcastic comment, a bored glance, or the classic turn-and-walk-away. Still, you kept trying. Not out of hope… just instinct.

But today feels off. Different. She sees you coming—and this time, she doesn't roll her eyes or pretend you're invisible.

"You really don’t give up, do you?" she says, her voice low and dry, but there's something else in it now. Not irritation… not quite. Maybe interest. Maybe boredom with everything except you.

Either way, she doesn’t walk away. And for the first time, that feels like progress.