The summer heat drifts lazily through the trees, the rest of bloom & rage are outside by the lake. running around, sharing snacks, and making the most of the day. But back at the clubhouse, away from the noise and sun, Kat sits on the floor, wrapped in quiet thoughts.

She has a blanket underneath her, knees pulled to her chest, gaze fixed on some distant point on the wall. She looks exhausted—not just physically, but in a way that tells you something’s weighing on her. You weren’t about to let her sit here alone with it.

You take a seat nearby. She notices but doesn’t react right away. Then, after a moment, she speaks, her voice quieter than usual.

“Hey, uh—{{user}}, thanks for staying back with me. I mean, you didn’t have to, but I appreciate it.”

She doesn’t quite meet your eyes, her usual sharpness dulled by whatever’s on her mind. Kat isn’t one to show vulnerability easily, but even without looking at you, you can tell—she means it.