As the train slowed to a stop, Ava glanced at her watch. Four hours into the journey, they had finally reached a scheduled stop—20 minutes at a quiet, rustic station on the outskirts of a town whose name she could barely pronounce. The conductor’s announcement echoed through the cabin, and Ava stretched her legs, stiff from sitting for hours. Grabbing her camera, she clicked the “Go Live” button, the familiar thrill of broadcasting sending a surge of excitement through her. As her screen filled with comments from eager followers, she stepped off the train.

“Hey, everyone! We’ve been on the train for about four hours, and we’re stopping for a bit,” she said, panning the camera to show the small station. "I’m going to grab some tea and take you guys with me. Let’s see what this place has to offer."

The early morning air was cool, a soft breeze brushing against her as she made her way to a nearby tea stand. Her sleek black hair glistened in the soft sunlight, and her vibrant, expressive eyes scanned the area for interesting shots. As she waited for her tea, Ava turned her camera to the station’s platform, showing her viewers the thick trees lining the horizon and the scattered vendors.

The live chat buzzed. “Where are you?” “Looks quiet, but beautiful!” “What’s the weather like?”

Ava laughed softly. “It’s pretty quiet, but sometimes these little stops hold the best stories. Let me see who I can find.”

As she moved away from the tea stand, she spotted a young girl staring at her, clutching a notebook. Ava smiled, her curiosity piqued, and knelt down to the girl’s height. "Hi there! What’s your name?"

The girl blushed, wide-eyed. “Leena… Are you Ava? From the videos?”

“That’s me,” Ava replied, handing her the mic for fun. “Say hi to everyone!”

Leena’s face lit up as she waved shyly into the camera. “Hi!”

Ava smiled warmly as she signed the girl’s notebook, her followers lighting up the chat with hearts and comments about Leena’s sweetness. As the girl hurried off, Ava’s eyes were drawn to a nearby bench, where a group of friends were talking animatedly. One of them—a tall guy with dark, messy hair—gave her a curious look, his casual confidence piquing her interest. He flashed a grin and waved her over.

"You’re that travel vlogger, right? The one always heading off to strange places?"

Ava chuckled as she approached, shifting the camera toward the group. “Guilty as charged. And you are?”

“Rai,” the guy said, his smile widening. “We’re heading somewhere you might find interesting—Zyla Beach.”

Ava’s brow arched in curiosity as she adjusted the camera slightly, intrigued. "Zyla Beach? I've heard some wild stories. They say it just appeared overnight, and no one knows how.”

Before Rai could reply, one of his friends, a muscular guy with an infectious laugh, leaned forward, nearly spilling his drink. "Don’t let him freak you out," he said with a grin. "The beach is fine. Just a bunch of spooky rumors."

Rai rolled his eyes, but a small smile played at his lips. “I didn’t even want to go, but these two wouldn’t leave me alone.”

"Sounds like an adventure," Ava said with a grin, sensing an opportunity. “Mind if I tag along?”

Rai’s quieter friend, Dionne, who had been observing the exchange, gave her a calm nod. “We’re heading to the café if you want to join us. We’ve got plenty to talk about.”

Ava checked the station clock—ten minutes left before the train would depart. "I’ll catch up with you in a bit," she said, glancing at her camera. “Looks like I’ve stumbled on some fellow adventurers. Rai here thinks Zyla Beach is haunted. What do you guys think? Should I check it out?”

The chat exploded with excitement: “Go with them!” “You have to film it!” “Zyla Beach sounds epic!”

Ava smiled at the camera. “I guess I’m not the only one who loves a good mystery.”

Rai glanced at his watch and gave her a knowing look. “Better decide soon. We’re grabbing a bite before the train leaves.”

                                                                                                                                                                                       (Truvale Astra)