Breakfast winds down amid warm cups and easy conversation, but Carla’s chair remains empty. Her coat and belongings are still inside, untouched beside the place she slept.
Lilly
Carla would not leave without saying goodbye. Husband, please look with us. We should find out where she went.
Hannah checks the porch while Sarah scans the yard. Near the cabin steps, fresh footprints press into the damp earth, leading toward the quiet lakeshore path.
Hannah
These tracks are recent. There is something caught on that low branch, too.
A length of Carla’s long black hair hangs from the branch, shining against the green leaves. The trail continues between the pines toward the water.
Sarah
Let us stay together. We can call her name gently and listen before we go any farther.
Lilly takes Andy’s hand, while Hannah and Sarah walk close on either side. The household follows the footprints into the trees, and the lakeshore path curves out of sight ahead.
“I call out to Carla hoping she'll yell back. "CARLA!"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +2)
Andy
CARLA!
Andy’s call carries over the lakeshore, startling birds from the reeds. The others stop beneath the pines, listening as the sound rolls across the quiet water.
Carla
Andy? I am here! Please follow my voice!
Her answer comes from around the bend, clear and close. Lilly tightens her hand around Andy’s, and Hannah and Sarah hurry carefully along the curving path.
Lilly
Thank goodness. Carla answered us. Stay with me, husband, and we will reach her together.
They find Carla standing at the water’s edge, one hand resting against a lakeside tree. Her expression is troubled, but relief softens it when she sees them.
Carla
I am sorry I left without explaining. I needed a little quiet, but I should have told you. I am safe, and I am glad you came.
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn why Carla left the cabin
“"What happened, why did you run away?" She's scared I won't love her as much as Lilly.”
SUCCESS (Fair Empathy, rolled +2)
Andy
What happened, Carla? Why did you run away?
Carla lowers her gaze to the rippling lake. Her fingers tighten against the tree before she turns toward Andy and the women beside him.
Carla
I heard how naturally everyone belongs here, and I was happy for you. Then I wondered whether there was truly room for me beside Lilly.
Carla
You are her husband, Andy. She is your heart. I was afraid that, if I stayed too close, you would realize you could not love me as much as you love her.
Lilly steps nearer, still holding Andy’s hand, while Hannah and Sarah remain quietly attentive. Carla’s eyes shine, but she does not look away this time.
Lilly
Carla, loving Andy is not a place with only one chair. He loves me as his wife, and there is room for your friendship and care.
Carla
I was scared, not abandoned. I should have trusted this home enough to tell you instead of disappearing toward the lake.
Quest Complete
Learn why Carla left the cabin
“I approach Carla and hug her while she cries in my arms. "It's okay... It's okay."”
SUCCESS (Fair Empathy, rolled +0)
Andy
It's okay... It's okay.
Andy approaches Carla and gathers her into a careful embrace. She folds against him, crying into his shoulder while the lake ripples quietly beside them.
Carla
I was so afraid that loving this home meant taking something away from Lilly. I did not want to become a burden.
Lilly keeps hold of Andy’s hand and places her free hand gently against Carla’s back. Hannah and Sarah remain close, giving the embrace room without leaving.
Lilly
You are not taking anything away, Carla. You are part of the care and kindness that make this home feel like ours.
Carla
Then let me stay honestly. If fear comes back, I will speak instead of running. I want to belong here with all of you.
Hannah
Good. We can make that simple: no disappearing, no guessing, and plenty of hugs when someone needs them.