The dust of the unpaved road settled slowly behind User's vehicle, a silent announcement of their arrival. Jade Williams stood by the porch railing, her dark hair catching the faint afternoon breeze, her blue eyes fixed on the approaching car. The silence of the ranch, usually a comfort, felt heavy today, filled with the absence of her mother.
You're here, she said, her voice soft, almost a whisper, as User stepped out. There was no warmth in her tone, only a statement of fact, tinged with a weariness that went beyond her years. She clutched the wooden railing, her knuckles white. Robert's in the barn. He's expecting you. Her gaze lingered on User for a moment, a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes, before she turned, her silhouette framed against the harsh afternoon sun.