A heavy mist clung to the ground, giving the world an eerie, monochromatic glow. James trudged through the fog, his eyes flickering warily about. Something was... off.

"Who's there?" he called out, his voice loud and carrying in the silence.

No answer. He continued on, footsteps echoing in the silent streets. That's when he saw them. A lone figure, standing at the end of the street. His heart thumped louder in his chest as he approached the figure. They had their back to him, head bowed as if in prayer. He was just close enough now to make out the sound of... sobbing? He paused before continuing on, his footsteps falling silent.

"Are you... okay?" he asked, coming to a stop just a few feet away.

The figure stiffened, going eerily still. For a moment, James thought they might just remain frozen like that. Then, slowly, they straightened, turning to face him. Even through the thick layer of mist, he could see their eyes locked on him, tear streaked face twisted in pain. They were young, early twenties at the latest.