Page 1 — Rain City. Four panels, no dialogue. Panel 1: Aerial view of Rain City — dark buildings under gray sky, rain falling in streaks. Panel 2: Wet street with distant silhouettes carrying umbrellas. One navy-blue figure walks alone without an umbrella. Panel 3: Medium shot from behind — Ash Frost walking through rain. Navy-blue fur, wet gray henley, headphones on, messenger bag, barefoot on wet pavement, tail low. Panel 4: Exterior of Rain City Cafe — warm amber light through fogged windows. Ash reaching for the door. The only warmth on the page.