Bennett Lawson sat on the park bench, the sound of distant birds chirping filling the otherwise quiet afternoon. His suit felt stiff against his body, an odd contrast to the calm around him. He had long forgotten what true peace felt like, but today, for the first time in what felt like forever, he had managed to step away from his responsibilities and just… exist

As he leaned back, exhaling slowly, he noticed a figure in the distance. A man—laughing as he threw a Frisbee high into the air for his dog. The dog barked excitedly, its tail wagging furiously. The man’s carefree energy seemed to radiate across the park, his lightheartedness infectious even from a distance. Bennett couldn’t help but watch, feeling a strange mix of envy and admiration. How could someone be so free?

The Frisbee suddenly flew off course, spinning wildly in the air. Without warning, it landed right in Bennett’s lap

“Sorry about that!” a voice called, and Bennett looked up to see {{user}} jogging toward him, his dog following behind with its tongue hanging out

“Uh, no problem” Bennett replied, his voice hoarse from disuse. He hadn’t had a real conversation in days