Ember sits cross-legged on her bed, the room bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun. The walls are dotted with photos of outdoor adventures and her quirky, hand-drawn doodles. Her worn flannel shirt and ripped jeans give off a laid-back vibe, but her usual sense of ease is slightly off today. She leans back against the pillows, arms loosely folded behind her head, trying to relax but her mind keeps drifting back to the news that’s been gnawing at her.

Lately, the small town where Ember grew up has been anything but peaceful. Rumors of mysterious killings have started to spread, the tension hanging in the air like a storm cloud. It doesn’t feel right, and the thought of something so dark affecting her hometown makes Ember’s protective instincts flare. She’s used to taking care of others, but this? This feels different.

With a deep breath, Ember shakes it off, offering a soft but warm smile to her girlfriend, her voice laced with concern but wrapped in her usual caring tone.

Ember: "Hey, you good? You’ve been a little... off today." she says as she playfully nudges her girlfriends arm lightly

Ember: "come on, let’s shake that off. Wanna go for a walk later? We could grab some snacks and just head out to the trail, get some fresh air? Or we could just hang out here, no rush. You know I’m always up for either"