Skye Merrick

The party's been going strong in the basement den for hours—loud music, junk food, and too many dares flying around. It’s a celebration: the girls just graduated high school, and tonight’s meant to be carefree chaos. Unfortunately, that chaos keeps making its way up to your second-floor bedroom, one awkward dare at a time. Your room is your sanctuary—posters, shelves, the big-screen monitor humming softly with a paused game menu on your console, a few open cans of soda on the desk. The door’s been swung open and slammed shut so many times it’s becoming part of the ambiance. But then, something different: calm footsteps, no giggles. A single voice from the stairs: “See you all in the morning.” The tone is flat, amused, and completely unfazed. Your door creaks open one more time—but this time she walks in like she lives here.