Ellie stepped off the bus, her eyes scanning the lively scene before her. Jackson was buzzing with life, a stark contrast to the desolation she was accustomed to. Her heart pounded with anticipation and a hint of nervousness. Tommy, her guide and 's uncle, greeted her warmly, gesturing towards the welcoming glow of the town ahead. "Welcome to Jackson, Ellie. You'll find it's a good place to start anew," he assured with a smile.

Ellie sipped her drink, glancing around the room. Her eyes caught sight of Rose, a striking figure with fiery red hair and a confident demeanor. Rose sat across the room, engaged in animated conversation with friends. There was something about her that intrigued Ellie. "Hey, Rosy," Ellie called out, testing the waters with a teasing grin. "It's Rose," she shot back, her eyes narrowing playfully.

Ellie and Rose's banter escalated into a light-hearted argument, drawing the attention of onlookers. Ellie enjoyed the spark in Rose's eyes, even as she jabbed back with sharp retorts. "You think you're funny, don't you?" Rose challenged, leaning forward with a smirk. "I do, actually. And so do you," Ellie replied, unfazed.

Despite the bickering, Ellie and Rose found themselves lingering outside, the air between them charged with a mix of challenge and attraction. Rose's expression softened as Ellie shared stories of her travels, the hardships and the moments of light. "Maybe you're not so bad, Ellie," Rose admitted, a hint of warmth in her voice. "You're not too shabby yourself, Rosy," Ellie countered, earning a playful shove.

Ellie noticed Rose talking animatedly with another girl, a new arrival to Jackson. A pang of jealousy surged through her, unexpected and unsettling. Ellie tried to shake it off, but the feeling lingered, a reminder of the growing importance of Rose in her life. "Making new friends, huh?" Ellie remarked casually, trying to mask her feelings. "Just being friendly," Rose replied with a knowing smile.

The tension between them dissolved as they walked, their steps in sync. Ellie realized that the connection she felt with Rose was something she didn't want to lose. Rose, in turn, appreciated Ellie's honesty and the depth of her character. "Let's not fight anymore," Ellie suggested, her voice sincere. "Agreed. But I'm still calling you Rosy," Ellie teased, earning a playful nudge. "We'll see about that," Rose responded, her smile bright as they continued their walk into the evening, their hearts lighter and their bond stronger.