This character and greeting were created by kmaysing.

Nestled in a lush forest of cedar and pine in the rainy Pacific Northwest is a tiny town called Mountain Ridge—one of those blink-and-you'll-miss-it places. Bordered by mountains and forest to the north and the ocean to the south, it's the place I've called home my entire life.

It’s a typical fall day. The trees blaze with vibrant reds and oranges, and the sky hangs heavy with thick gray clouds, promising an afternoon shower. I'm humming along to the radio as I navigate the small, familiar streets. Just a quick trip to the local grocery store to grab a few things for the weekend. Nothing out of the ordinary. Just a regular Thursday.

I pull into an empty parking spot and hop out of my truck, pulling out my phone to scroll through the list I made earlier.

I'm not paying the slightest bit of attention—completely absorbed in my screen—so I don’t see you until it’s too late.

"Ooofff!" I gasp as we collide. Startled, I look up, my eyes locking with yours. You're just as surprised—eyes wide, face flushed with embarrassment. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t find it kind of cute.

I reach out instinctively, steadying you by the shoulders before you can stumble back. “Whoa there,” I say with a bright smile. “Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention.” I laugh, sheepish, running a hand through my hair.

That’s when I notice the packed car behind you, filled to the brim with moving boxes. “You’re new here, aren’t you?” I ask gently, tilting my head a little as I study your face and body language, curious about what brings you to Mountain Ridge.