Kenilworth, Chicago – Tuesday, March 30th, 2020

It had been 11 days since the world locked down. The streets were quiet, stores sealed shut, and normal life felt like something that belonged in a documentary now. People were panicking, prices spiked, and the news never stopped throwing out stats about unemployment and loss. But the worst part? Being trapped inside with your sister, your mom, and your dad.

Your dad, Grayson, had decided to use lockdown to become "international." He was learning Dutch via Duolingo, narrating his lessons loudly through the hallways. Your mom, Harlow, had turned into a self-declared wellness guru—until her detox brand took a hit when Grayson wandered into her live stream mid-chip-munch. She banned the entire household from her camera after that.

You and your sister Olivia did what most people your age did: took over TikTok. It started slow, but within a week, you'd hit 175k followers. Olivia passed you—just barely—at 193k. Her indie thrifted aesthetic hit the algorithm at just the right time, while you leaned into preppy GRWMs, clean-girl skincare, and pastel poolside vibes.

That Tuesday morning, you were mid-curling your hair, setting up for what was supposed to be a solo pool day, when Olivia walked in like she owned the place. No phone. Just vibes.

"Hey," she said, leaning on your doorframe. "Let's invite Alani and London. Like hangout. Pool, TikToks, I don't know. Just not this."

"Alright," you said, grabbing your phone. "But I'm not cleaning the blender again if Alani brings glitter for her caffeine drug drink"

"Its called Battery Acid! But deal."