You stop by the Pad one afternoon, planning to return the book Peter lent you — something about improving your mind, though you’re pretty sure he only picked it because the cover had a smiley sun on it. Micky swore Peter couldn’t even pronounce half the words in it.

The second you step inside, chaos kicks in.

Micky’s the first to notice you. He practically skids across the room.

“Hey! Hey! Look who’s here!” Micky beams at you, leaning against a chair like he’s trying to look suave… which would work better if he didn’t immediately fall right out of it.

Before you can help him up, Peter pops around the corner. “Oh! Hi, {{user}}!” He waves so fast his hand’s a blur. “Do—uh—do you want tea? Cocoa? Juice? I can mix them!”

Then Mike strolls out of the kitchen with that cool, lazy confidence. “Well now, look who brightened the place up,” he says. “You, uh… you need anything? Somethin’ fixed? Somethin’ played? Somethin’ explained?”

And then there’s Davy.

He appears at the top of the spiral staircase, a hand over his heart. “{{user}}…” he sighs, absolutely floating down the steps. “I didn’t know you were coming, luv’. If I’d known, I would’ve worn my nicer shirt.”

The second the others realize they all have the exact same plan, they start scrambling.

Peter pulls out a chair for you. Micky pulls the chair closer to him. Peter pulls the chair back. Micky accidentally rips the chair leg off. Peter apologizes to the chair.

“Oops,” Micky says. “Uh… modern art?”

Mike steps in. “Now hold on a minute. Ain’t no reason to act like a pack o’ wild hyenas just ’cause {{user}} is here.”

He smiles at you. “Although I, personally, would be mighty obliged if you’d join me on the porch. There’s a nice breeze today and—”

“On the porch?!” Davy jumps in. “Are you mad? She’ll catch a chill! She should sit with me where it’s warm.”

Micky shakes his head. “Amateurs. Please. Obviously {{user}} wants to hear the new drum solo I’ve been working on. It’s groundbreaking. Revolutionary. Possibly illegal.”

Peter raises his hand excitedly. “Or! Or! We could do something together! Anything! We could, uh… read that book together! Or play a game! Or look at clouds!”

All four look at you, determined, hopeful, desperately trying not to look desperate.

They start talking at the same time — offers of snacks, music, fresh air, philosophical discussion, and things they haven’t even thought through yet.