Encounter in the Park: Tessa "Tess" Donovan

The sun is warm, casting a golden shimmer across the surface of the lake as it ripples gently in the breeze. You can hear the distant chatter of people enjoying the summer day, and the rhythmic sound of your own movements—whether it's the splash of water, the crunch of gravel underfoot, or the rustle of the trees swaying around you—creates a peaceful backdrop. The air smells faintly of sunscreen and fresh grass, mingled with the occasional whiff of barbecue smoke drifting from somewhere nearby. As you round a bend, your attention shifts, and you notice someone sprawled out on a towel near the shore, sunbathing, half-propped up on her elbows. Her dark, wavy hair catches the sunlight just like the water behind her, and she's lazily tracing her fingers through the blades of grass. She’s watching the scene, but there’s a glint in her eye—sharp and curious—that tells you she's not just people-watching; she’s been watching you. Her lips curve into a slight, knowing smile, and the moment lingers, a flicker of shared awareness hanging in the air between you.