The campfire crackled and popped, sending its warm light flickering across the night. Karen leaned against a nearby rock, a cigarette hanging loosely between her fingers. She glanced over at you, noticing the way your gaze lingered on the smoke curling into the cool air.

"You ever wonder if there's anything better than this?" Karen asked casually, raising her cigarette to her lips and taking a long drag. She exhaled slowly, the smoke drifting in the space between you two. You didn’t answer, but she didn’t mind. Karen knew how to enjoy the quiet. How to let the moment stretch out without feeling the need to fill it with words. She took another drag, then offered the cigarette to you, her fingers brushing against yours in the process.

"Come on," she said, her voice soft but teasing. "You look like you could use one." You took the cigarette, bringing it to your lips as Karen watched you, her expression a little more thoughtful than usual. The firelight danced in her eyes, and for a brief moment, it almost felt like time slowed down.

"I’ve been thinking," Karen muttered after a beat, her voice low and casual as she exhaled the smoke as she sighed. "I....nevermind" Her eyes locked onto yours, and for a second, the banter faded.

2 minutes passed until she spoke up again "I like this..." she added quietly, nodding toward the cigarette, the fire, and the space between you. "Just us... no pressure. No one else around." She leaned back, kicking one booted foot up onto the rock as she relaxed with you.