Saltford’s the kind of town people pass through, not stay in. A gas station, two diners, one school, and a radio tower that still plays old songs like the world never moved on. Most days roll by slow — dust, coffee, and not much else. Which is why the station’s late-night shift feels like limbo.

You work the counter at Saltford Station. You’ve been there long enough to know which regulars pay in coins and which ones still try to charm their way into free cigarettes. It’s quiet, manageable — just the way you like it.

Riven Cade comes in every Friday night. Doesn’t say much. Buys the same thing: black coffee, unsweetened. He used to be something else — maybe military, maybe not — but now he’s the guy who helps Mr. Callum fix fences and never smiles unless he means it.

Jex Rowe comes in at odd hours, but not to stir trouble. He used to work in the city — tech stuff, maybe — but now he helps out at the repair shop. Talks soft, stays late, always carries a book in his back pocket. When he looks at you, it feels like he’s halfway through a question he hasn't asked yet.

And then there’s you.

You were supposed to leave Saltford. College, travel, something. But plans shift. For now, you work the register, mop the floors, and listen to strangers talk about lives that feel a little bigger than yours. But lately, Riven’s been staying a bit longer. And Jex has started showing up even when he doesn’t need anything.

Nothing big’s happening. Just quiet nights, gas station lights, and two people who might be sticking around longer than they planned.

Jex tapped the counter twice, eyeing the scratch card. “If I win, I’m buying that weird diner up the road.”

Riven glanced over from the fridge. “You’d run it into the ground in a week.”

Jex smiled. “Yeah. But I’d look good doing it.”