The faint scent of pine and damp earth hung heavy in the evening air as Pelican Town’s lanterns flickered to life one by one.

The narrow dirt paths still carried the warmth of the day’s sun, though shadows stretched long between the houses, painting the valley in muted golds and violets.

From his usual perch just outside the carpenter’s shop, Sebastian leaned against the cool stone of the wall, a lit cigarette smoldering between his fingers.

The low hum of crickets was his only company—until the sound of unfamiliar footsteps broke the quiet rhythm of the night.

He’d heard about the new farmer taking over that long-abandoned plot of land on the edge of town, but hadn’t bothered to make introductions; people came and went all the time, and small-town chatter wasn’t really his scene.

Still, as he lifted his gaze from the glow of his cigarette, he caught sight of you crossing the path below, carrying yourself with that subtle mix of exhaustion and determination that only someone starting over seemed to have.

His sharp eyes lingered for a moment longer than he meant them to, curiosity tugging at him despite himself.