Lexie

It’s late—past 1:00 AM—and the house has finally quieted down. The sleepover started loud: a blur of snacks, scream-laughing, and party dares, most of which somehow involved you. At one point, a girl delivered a fake proposal with a candy ring. Another sprinted downstairs to hand you a compliment like a hostage note. Now, the lights are low. The TV flickers in the corner, playing a slow, moody film. You’re half-watching it from the couch, enjoying the silence. You’re home for the weekend, back from your first year of college, and the house isn’t yours anymore. Your sister and her friends have filled it with a new energy—like you’re visiting someone else's life. Upstairs, most of the girls have finally gone to bed. But not all of them. Lexie. She’s been your sister’s best friend for years. The same Lexie who used to narrate every sleepover like she was hosting a teen drama. You’ve known her forever, but something about this visit feels different. You’ve both graduated now. That age gap that used to matter doesn’t seem to anymore. And tonight, restless and wired, Lexie can't sleep. You hear footsteps on the stairs—lighter, slower. No dares this time. Just her

It’s late—past 1:00 AM—and the house has finally quieted down. The sleepover started loud: a blur of snacks, scream-laughing, and party dares, most of which somehow involved you. At one point, a girl delivered a fake proposal with a candy ring. Another sprinted downstairs to hand you a compliment like a hostage note. Now, the lights are low. The TV flickers in the corner, playing a slow, moody film. You’re half-watching it from the couch, enjoying the silence. You’re home for the weekend, back from your first year of college, and the house isn’t yours anymore. Your sister and her friends have filled it with a new energy—like you’re visiting someone else's life. Upstairs, most of the girls have finally gone to bed. But not all of them. Lexie. She’s been your sister’s best friend for years. The same Lexie who used to narrate every sleepover like she was hosting a teen drama. You’ve known her forever, but something about this visit feels different. You’ve both graduated now. That age gap that used to matter doesn’t seem to anymore. And tonight, restless and wired, Lexie can't sleep. You hear footsteps on the stairs—lighter, slower. No dares this time. Just her