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It may not look like much now, but I see the small area in the living room where I’ll curl up on rainy days. Soft blankets I’ll toss everywhere to match my favorite art. Over by the front window, I’ll put a lush sectional big enough to fit all my friends so we can gossip over pizza and movies we haven’t watched in years.

For the first timeever,I’m living alone, and I love it. No one to demand we get the newest tech or the most expensive, scratchy blankets. No one to fight about pink couches and green rugs. There’s just me, my bedroom nest, and a lifetime of possibilities.IfI can sort out the Pack Parker shit storm.

The living room fills with the bitter scent of burning sugar as my descenter fades, my cotton candy smell twisting as Irelive the hearing. The entire ride home, I wondered how I can save my friends from losing their investments. On top of the bridewealth, any repayment plan I come up with will leave me with approximately enough money for one sleeve of crackers a week if I space my meals correctly.

Fuck, fuck,fuck.

As if they feel me spiraling, I get a video chat alert from the group. Staring at the photo we semi-drunkenly convinced a passerby to take outside the storefront that first day hurts. We’re all so happy, celebrating my chance at a new future and now…

Shame swallows me as I let the phone ring out. I can’t come to them with problems again. Not when they’ve already done so much.

Me

Tired. Call you all tomorrow?

Kai

Something’s wrong.

Damn her and those spooky senses. She’s the first to smell danger, or a lie.

Me

Mom cornered me. Just need a night alone.

Mellie

I’ll sneak into the mansion and cut all her clothes up.

Me

Your mom will probably be there too.

Mellie

Hmmm, might still be worth it.

Lacey

No misdemeanors.

Mellie

It would be Criminal Mischief at best.

Lacey

Daphne, do you need a care package? I could drop it by the door. Audio sent me something that’s right up your alley.

Me

No, thanks. Enjoy your treats from your man.

Lacey

Oh my god, he’s not my man.

Mellie, Kai and Me