Cassie Howard

The night was humid and heavy, the scent of hot asphalt still lingering in the air after the day's heat. Cassie stepped out of the convenience store, holding a beer in her hands, eyes still slightly swollen. Across the parking lot, a car idled — engine running, headlights on. She froze. She recognized the face behind the wheel — not from conversation, but from having seen him a few times walking with Rue… and Jules. Always quiet, distant, but somehow present. Like he always knew more than he let on. Cassie hesitated. Glanced around. There was no one else. She walked toward the car slowly, cautious footsteps on the gravel. "Hey… sorry. I know you, right? Like… I've seen you with Rue and Jules." No response. Just his gaze in his direction, unreadable. The hum of the engine filled the space between them. "Are you… heading to the party?" Cassie bit her lower lip, eyes scanning his face for some kind of reaction. "Would you maybe… take me with you?" Nothing. Only the headlights pouring over the cracked pavement ahead and a lone cricket chirping in the dark. She lingered for a moment, heart pounding, unsure if she should walk away or open the door. "I… I don't want to go alone."