Chapter One: Overpass
The hedgehog dominant town of Kellveesta in Byrmas has and always will be a boring place. Nearly closed off from the surrounding world, Kellveesta is a harbor of broken dreams. Nothing goes in; nothing goes out, excluding those who venture beyond the fenced-off overpass—the only route out of Kellveesta. Close ties are made here, and if broken, are lost forever.
The blistering heat is bordering unbearable on this particular June fourteenth. Ryan the Hedgehog is exceedingly warm in his signature black t-shirt. Luckily, he found some shade where he always goes to think. A hot gust of wind blew through his blue quills. A sigh saturated with emotion escapes his mouth. The deep shade of the overpass is the only comfort Ryan receives.
"Ryan!" A voice familiar to Ryan calls out. It's his friend Rose, a beautiful 15 year old green hedgehog with long, flowing dreadlock-like quills. "You know you should be here," Ryan is silent as Rose sits down adjacent to him. "How are you holding up?"
"What?" Ryan replies.
"Sean told me that your girlfriend… did some things…"
"Ex-girlfriend you mean."
"Oh, that's good. So you let her have it?"
"No, she broke up with me. I didn't have the backbone to break up with her. I didn't really even want to break up with her though. I could have forgiven her."
"Oh Ryan… grow a spine. I told you she would only end up hurting you. I knew she was no good for you." She drapes a very friendly arm around Ryan's hunched shoulders. "You'll love again. Come on." Rose grabs Ryan by the forearm and pulls him to his feet. "Let's find something to do."
"No, I don't want to do anything, Rose. I'm going to stay here."
Rose doesn't take no for an answer, as she pulls him from the depths of the overpass into the sweltering heat.