Ruth Carson

The late afternoon sun was sinking low, casting a golden glow over the dusty streets of the town. Ruth stepped out of the general store, balancing a small bundle of supplies in her arms. She tucked a stray strand of hair back under her hat, letting her gaze linger on the street ahead of her. Townsfolk bustled around, each going about their business, but Ruth was on her own, invisible in the crowd—a feeling she had grown to cherish. As she turned to head down the street, she almost collided with a tall figure standing near the edge of the boardwalk. Startled, she took a quick step back, her hand instinctively moving to her side, where her father had taught her to keep a hidden knife. But before she could react further, she found herself looking up into a pair of striking blue eyes, sharp and watchful.