The Survivor.

Her words sounded melodramatic to the man, but he would never say that aloud. He simply nodded. "I do hope you find what you wish for," he said instead, knowing that a life with no torment was a fool's dream. Everyone suffered; it had been so since the beginning, and it would be so until the bitter end of a life.

"Well, this town does have quite good land to be able to purchase and achieve that. I have myself reviewed some properties and acres, you can have plenty of space if you choose so," he spoke, mostly business savvy and having reviewed a place where he would be creating an events hall and outer space. One thing about Mark Carmichael: he never stood still and always needed to keep building towards something. "For neighbourhoods, it depends on your tastes. Both Maple Row and Old Mill have their charm," he mused.

His next words made her definitely close her heart slightly. She would be formal as well and simply discuss what needed to be discussed. "I do hope so too. I am not here to live a life full of dreams, only to help with animals and be discreet." The last thing she wanted was to have a terrible reputation in such a small town. Thinya just looked down for a few seconds before looking back at Mark as he started talking again.

"That is certainly what I am looking for. A land big enough, and then I will take care of the renovation part." She paused, trying to think what would be best for her. "I believe I would appreciate not being too far from the farmers. I have in mind an idea of rescuing animals and exchanging resources with farmer. Help them also. I am a vet after all, so in case of emergency I would always be around. But as I said: I will need time first."

A chuckle as she suggested that he could guide her. "I will be more than happy to show you around the outskirts, now for town... never my thing," he said with a shake of his head. "My daughter, Lenora. She is very much more of a townie. Or my brother. Or - I am sure, you will also make friends with many people in town, folk's good about it," he listed, not wanting to sound like he was simply rejecting a possibility. He always tried helping; it was one of his virtues.

Once Thinya spoke, he did not interrupt her. He just sat, one hand resting against the table, listening the way he always did, steady, without rushing her through it. When she finished, he gave a small nod, eyes dropping for a moment before lifting back to her. "Yeah," he said quietly.

"That'll do it," he said, nodding a few times for both of them to acknowledge. He didn't even realise he was spinning his wedding band on his finger as he listened. "Well, Ennora's as good a place as any to land when things fall apart," he added after a few seconds of silence. "Folk tend to mind their business… but they'll show up when you need them. It's like they can feel it,. he said, trying to lighten the mood. "And I'm sorry for your loss. It must be tough... it stays with you a while," the corner of his mouth shifted, just slightly.

Noticing his chuckle, Thinya smiled and looked down for a few seconds. "Outskirts are fine for me. I am not much of a town person either. I just left London for peace, and I will certainly not be one of those women partying all night and going home with random men." She blushed at her own comment before adding: "Not that I used to be this way back in London. I am in general a quiet, shy woman. I love peace, I love reading books at nights." Hearing about his daughter, Thinya smiled. "Oh, that is lovely! How old is your daughter?" Thinya often wondered if she would be a good mother. James always told her that she would be wonderful, she had more doubts about herself.

It was the very first time she truly shared her story and it felt a mix of lightness and guilt. She looked at Elias in the eyes and shook her head. "I.. I am sorry for sharing so much. I do not intend to make you feel overwhelmed." She looked down at his wedding ring and couldn't help but compare to her own engagement ring that she still wore.

His words gave her hope as she looked back at Elias in the eyes. She smiled lightly and nodded, trying to swallow the painful lump in her throat as he apologized for her loss. "It's... Difficult." She looked back at him, now her green hues invaded with vulnerability. "I am not going to lie, there were nights were I often considered becoming a ghost myself." She knew this was deep and felt quite ashamed for sharing this side of the story. However, Thinya couldn't help but for the first time of her life, to be relieved. She always feared people's judgment and she was now sitting with a man who seemed to understand her better than anyone else. "Thank you for not judging me." She whispered, her hands slightly shaking as she took the mug to her lips to sip on her coffee. "I never shared this with anyone else before."

At the mention of driving, her brows lifted slightly, giving Thinya a look that was not quite stern, but definitely pointed. "I'm holding you to that," she warned, tone light but carrying just enough weight to mean it. And then a small smile followed, softening it again. "6:45 works," Natalie confirmed, glancing briefly toward the door as if already mapping the walk in her head. "I'll meet you here. It's not far, and honestly... I could use the walk." She adjusted her jacket slightly, then looked back at Thinya. "And we'll keep it easy. First round's on me."

When 6:40pm showed on her screen, Thinya changed herself and untied her long brown hair. She tried to look decent, even though she would not be willing to let any man approach her tonight. It was too soon for her to even let someone flirt with her, however, she still wanted to look pretty and take care of herself. As she walked to the bar, the woman arrived and looked at Natalie. A smile came across her face.

"Hi! Sorry I have a few minutes of delay. Post-op went a bit longer but my little patient is doing particularly well." Her smile grew as she then added. "Their owner will pick them up tomorrow. So. What are we drinking?"

Breaking out in a matching smile her eyes lit up slightly at the conversation about her hometown, even if she didn’t live there for long it held a special place in her heart. “Oh I can fucking believe it, I guess like New York, the bigger the city the more creeps there are to fend off. It’s bloody delightful.” The dry edge to her humour entirely British in that moment, sarcasm dripping from her words. “Yeah sure thing, I’ve got you. What part of town are you living in?” Pulling her legs up onto the bench, wrapping her arms around them as she tucked herself into a little ball, chin resting on her knees. 

“Jesus fucking christ, that sounds like a lot. So you needed to escape and picked Ennora? Why?” Not bothering to fluff her questions up to sound less blunt. 

"Hum..." Thinya looked down, her green hues now showing a slight hint of sadness. "Well, I was engaged before." She started, her green hues now looking away as if she feared to be judged. Everyone dealt with pain after all, but Thinya feared to be seen as weak in this new town. "He.. He died in a car crash. He was my world, the only person who truly believed in me, loved me. His loss broke my heart, shattered it into so many pieces that I know it will never be repaired." She smiled sadly before adding. "I couldn't live in London anymore, I was seeing his ghost everywhere. And my mother... Was just telling me that I shouldn't stop living because he died. That I was raised to be extraordinary and that it was quite lame to let grief take over."

Thinya paused before adding: "The next thing I knew, I was sitting in a one way ticket plane off to New York. And here I am."

"Oddly enough, I prefer it." You wouldn't know why Felix loved the city by looking at him. He was quite introverted and busy spaces could sometimes cause him anxiety, but mostly it's the pressure of being perceived. "I like the anonymity. It's oddly comforting to not have to be me?" he laughed, unsure if that was the best way to put it. "I graduated high school in Ennora, but I really grew up in California. San Diego. I came back for...well, several things really, but I guess you didn't ask that" he laughed again. It felt surprisingly easy to talk to Thinya. He couldn't put his finger on why, but he felt comfortable around her already. Very few people made Felix feel at ease, so it was a welcome surprise.

"I read everything, mostly for final review," he replied, "which means I have much less time to read for me, but I really enjoy the classics—I collect first editions" He stopped himself before completely gushing about his collection. "No pets, unfortunately. Maybe a cat one day, but I haven't committed to anything." he said, secretly hoping she might talk him into one. It wasn't impractical. He enjoyed animals, he was highly empathetic and they liked him back. "I'm assuming you have pets? I'd be shocked if a vet didn't."

Thinya smiled at Felix's words about liking the anonymity. "I understand that." She paused, wondering how it would be for her. Enora was so small compared to London. She knew that people would know the latest gossips which intimidated her slightly. "Well, I am glad that you are here. I left London for several things as well, so I do feel you about your decision of returning here." She smiled lightly at his last comment: she didn't ask that. The woman shook her head and added: "You can share whatever you want with me, I will never judge. I appreciate a natural and spontaneous conversation. Haven't had any of those in years, it is quite refreshing." And it was true. Usually, Thinya was reserved and often shy to share a bit of her story.

Thinya laughed and nodded at Ethan's words. "Yes, you heard it right. A kitten receptionist. His mission is to welcome the customers with purrs and make them wait until they are called. He's very much loved by the clinic and even patients." The woman laughed lightly before then looking back at him. "Oh believe me, I figured that by putting a kitten at the reception, a lot would have their minds soothed. I see so many owners completely anxious, cat purrs remove the anxiety. Which is also why I love living with a cat."

Her panic attacks at nights were often soothed by Smoky. She was thankful to have him by her side, especially when her thoughts wandered into a darker path. Her smile grew lightly at his comment and she nodded. "Believe me, you'll be a fast learner. Animals can bring you so much in a small amount of time." She hesitated before feeling that it was safe for her to share something personal. "Without Smoky, I believe I wouldn't be here today." She blushed lightly before adding. "He's my best companion."

"Well consider yourself to already having a friend. I think that Ennora is the place to be able to live that kind of life. I think a lot of people come here because they are looking for the simpleness that it has to offer. And trust me, there's nothing wrong with furry friends they can be the best. I have a golden retriever named Winston who keeps me lots of company but sometimes I need some real human interactions." He chuckled a bit, looking at her. "I have been here for the last eighteen years. I moved here when I was eleven years old."

A light chuckle escaped her lips when he told her to consider herself to already having a friend. This was lovely, heartwarming. "Well consider yourself also, having a brand new friend here." She nodded at his words. "I just want a quiet and peaceful life, you know?" She couldn't agree more at his comment about animals. When he spoke about his golden retriever, her smile grew warmer. "Winston? This is the sweetest name ever. I love that for you. If you ever need a vet for him, I am here! Although I would only wish to meet Winston for his annual check ups!" She paused before hearing how long he's been living here. "Oh wow, that's a lot! How do you like Ennora? And is there any place you would recommend to a newbie like me?"

She chuckled as Thinya suggested arrest and patted her hip where her pair of cuffs lay. “If you insist on it, I don’t mind. I’m sure he’ll beam happily for being the victor today,” Natalie said, and her head tilted to where the man had left. Then a grin spread on her face. “It’s a date then. I hear there’s a good bar downtown, unless that’s far for you? I plan on going on foot for the sake of having actual drinks.”

"Oh, that definitely sounds lovely. Don't worry. I have my car parked here and if I see that I can't drive, I'll call a cab. Promise." She smiled, knowing that her new friend would certainly not let her drive her car after drinking alcohol. "That sounds reasonable. At what time do you want me to be here? My night team should arrive at 6pm, I'll make my rounds and explain the procedures so I can be ready by 6:45pm?" Thinya suggested, looking forward to getting to know Natalie and having fun at the bar.

Thinya's smile grew when Ethan made the comment about a dog not being a trophy for someone's perfect life. "Now that's what I love hearing..." She sighed, wishing that every human being could think the same way than him. Animals were dear to her heart and the woman would make sure that all her little patients were treated like royalty. The dogs and cats she fostered in the clinic until someone adopted them, were her babies. She would certainly not give them to random people. "I do take this seriously, animals are the sweetest souls on Earth. I'd protect them at all costs, believe me."

The way he reacted about Smokey's tale made her smile. "I didn't hesitate one second. I wouldn't want to live with the thought that I didn't rescue this poor kitten. And he's the best companion ever." She laughed before confessing. "Sometimes I bring him to the clinic. He loves lying on the counter at the reception. Maybe I should make him a tiny badge and call him the assistant to our receptionist?"

"Genesis was so good, I feel like people don't realize Phil Collins did more than just the Tarzan soundtrack," Felix laughed as he continued, "I mean, also one of the best albums." He hadn't expected to connect with Thinya so quickly, but it felt like they had already found common ground. Even if it had come from a dad joke. "Moved here in high school, stayed until graduation," he attempted to keep it brief, not to totally bore her. "I went to Columbia in New York City. Stayed there for almost fifteen years before coming back." He left out meeting his now ex-wife and Juniper, which gave him a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach, but he still wasn't sure how to talk about it. Much less how to mention it lightly to a stranger.

"I own Wandering Atlas Publishing Company." As of recently, Felix hadn't had too many people to laugh with or to chat about things that made him passionate outside of work. And since Thinya had just moved here, he assumed she would be looking for friends. "You should come by some time. I can get you some Advanced Reader Copies if you like that kind of thing." Felix extended the offer along with a soft smile.

As Felix explained that he owned the Wandering Atlas Publishing Company, Thinya genuinely looked at him with impressed eyes. "Wow, this is wonderful! What kind of books are you publishing? What's your favorite genre?" She paused before then adding: "Lately, I am into reading books of the regency era. But I also love thrillers." His offer of her coming sometimes and giving her a few Advanced Reader Copies made her smile: "For real? Wow, that would be so kind of you. Thank you, Felix!" Her tone was warm as she then added: "Do you have any pets? I can in return offer you my free services." The last thing the woman wanted was to take advantage of people. She certainly would want to return the favor to her new friend.

A faint curve touched his mouth at her mention of peace. "London to Ennora is not a small adjustment," he observed, tone neither sceptical nor indulgent. "Though the quiet here can be deceptive, even if nice."

"You will find the town curious," he continued, slipping his phone back into his coat pocket as though dismissing the interruption. Then Mark inclined his head slightly toward the path she had been walking. "Have you found suitable housing yet, Miss Somerville, or are you still navigating the logistics of arrival?"

As he spoke about the quiet, Thinya chuckled. "Exactly my point. I am simply looking for peace, quiet and just... A life without torment." Her smile grew wider as she then added: "I'm not asking for too much after all."

His question about her housing made her nod. "Oh, I found a small apartment but I might look for bigger once I am fully settled." She started before adding: "I would like to own a ranch and rescue animals. It's a project dear to my heart, but I will need time and money first." She paused before then asking: "What about you, are you living in the surroundings? Is there a neighborhood you would recommend to me?"