Two patrol cars arrive with lights washing the cabin walls. Officer One, a broad middle-aged man in a navy uniform, secures the doorway while Officer Two, a young woman with dark braided hair, checks the porch and forest path.
Officer One
The cabin is secure. Nobody else is inside. We are going to keep everyone clear while we assess the scene.
The officers examine the two motionless attackers outside, confirm there is no remaining threat, and preserve the porch, door, and surrounding ground as evidence.
Lilly
They forced their way here, threatened us, and tried to take me. Andy warned them to leave, and everything happened after they came back.
A paramedic team arrives, led by a young adult woman with auburn hair and a yellow medical jacket beside an older, gray-haired man. They stabilize Andy’s shoulder and carefully transfer him onto a gurney.
the lead paramedic
We have him supported. We are taking him to the ambulance now. Lilly, you may stay close while we continue assessing him.
Lilly
I am his wife. Please let me accompany him, and tell me what you need to know. I am not leaving him alone.
✓ Quest Accepted
Have the officers accept Lilly's account as credible
✓ Quest Accepted
Begin the official investigation into the shooting
“"Lilly... don't leave me." I say and the medics let Lilly come with me and I'm driven off to the hospital.”
SUCCESS (Good Willpower, rolled +2)
Andy
Lilly... don't leave me.
Andy’s plea is quiet beneath the ambulance’s rushing urgency. Lilly squeezes his free hand, staying close as the paramedics secure his injured shoulder and prepare the gurney.
Lilly
I will not leave you, husband. I am coming with you, and I will stay beside you through every examination.
the lead paramedic
She can ride in the ambulance with you. Keep his hand still and speak to him if he becomes frightened or confused.
Lilly climbs into the ambulance and settles beside Andy, careful not to disturb the supports around his shoulder. The doors close, muting the officers and flashing lights outside.
Lilly
He asked me to stay, and I am here. He does not have to face the hospital alone.
The ambulance pulls away toward the hospital. Lilly keeps her fingers linked with Andy’s while the road hums beneath them, her voice steady beside him.
Quest Complete
Have the officers respond to the shooting
Attribute Upgrade: Willpower Good→Great
“"Lilly... look at me... We'll be okay... My shoulder will heal in no time, and our home will be safe again." I say with a weak smile. "No matter what happens, stay strong okay?"”
SUCCESS (Great Willpower, rolled -1)
Andy
Lilly... look at me. We'll be okay. My shoulder will heal in no time, and our home will be safe again. No matter what happens, stay strong, okay?
Lilly meets Andy’s eyes over the padded supports. The ambulance rocks through traffic, while the lead paramedic checks the straps and monitors his shoulder.
Lilly
I am looking at you, husband. I hear you. I will stay strong, because you need me, and because our home is still ours.
Lilly
He is hurting, yet he is comforting me. I can carry his faith with me until we are safely home again.
Her thumb strokes across Andy’s knuckles, careful not to disturb the medical supports. The siren fades as the ambulance turns beneath the hospital’s covered entrance.
the lead paramedic
We are at the hospital. You both did well during the ride. The emergency team is ready, and we will keep his shoulder stabilized.
Lilly
Thank you. I am staying beside him, and when he heals, we will return to our cabin together.