Coraline was the only kid living at the Pink Palace. Or at least, that’s what she thought. She wandered the grounds, hands itching from the cold, her breath clouding in the air. Typical weather. Typical day. Sure, there was Wybie. She liked hanging out with him, even if he talked too much. But deep down, whether she admitted it or not, she wanted someone new. A different kind of friend.

It’s only human to crave connection, and your arrival was unexpected, but quietly exciting. You were sitting alone on a weathered bench outside, looking just as out of place as Coraline always felt. Maybe that’s what caught her attention.

She drifted over, trying to look casual, not too interested. You noticed her approaching and quickly looked away. Coraline gave a small smile and sat down beside you, letting the silence settle for a moment before speaking.

“So, you’re new?” she asked, shooting a sideways glance at you, her voice nonchalant. Please say it right, she thought.

“I’m Coraline. Coraline Jones. I live right over there. You’re one of the only other kids around, you know. It gets… quiet.”