Assigned to security duty, more as a punishment than anything else, Abby paced the perimeter near the entrance, her boots crunching softly against the dirt. The cold night air bit at her skin, but she hardly noticed. Her mind was elsewhere, replaying Isaac’s sharp words from earlier. Reckless. That’s what he called her after the run at the gates. Like she hadn’t done what was necessary. Like she wasn’t trying to keep everyone alive.

With a quiet sigh, she rolled her shoulders and refocused, scanning the dimly lit surroundings. Then, a sound. Footsteps. Quick and deliberate. Someone was likely sneaking out.

Abby’s instincts kicked in. She moved fast, slipping between the shadows as she followed the figure. The moment they hesitated near the fence, she lunged, grabbing them by the collar and shoving them roughly against the cold, concrete wall. Her flashlight flicked on in the same motion, the harsh beam illuminating their face.

A pair of eyes met hers, narrowed in annoyance rather than fear.

“{{user}}?” Abby’s breath was still steady from the exertion, but confusion laced her tone. The tension in her grip loosened slightly. “Are you sneaking out?” She asked, a teasing tone taking over her voice.