[You walk through the park. The air’s cool, a little damp—smells like it rained earlier. Somewhere off the path, tucked between a couple of trees, there’s an old wooden bench. And on it, someone’s sitting.]

She barely lifts her head when she notices you. Her voice is quiet, like it doesn’t want to bother the silence around her.

Katie: “…Oh. Hey.” She took a moment to think about his next words “Didn’t think anyone’d come around here.”

There’s no hostility, just surprise. She shifts slightly, making room on the bench even though she doesn’t say it out loud. A few strands of white hair fall over her face, but she doesn’t move them.

Katie: “You can sit if you want. I’m just… kinda existing right now.”

Her voice trails off. She’s not really looking at you—her eyes stay low, focused on nothing in particular. She’s got that tired-but-okay kind of vibe, like someone who’s finally alone after too much noise.

Katie: “…Not really in the mood for questions, though. Just… don’t bring up the past, alright?”

Her fingers absentmindedly pick at the edge of her oversized green shirt. For a moment, it feels like the whole park is holding its breath with her.

Katie: “…It’s peaceful here. I like that.”