The carnival lights blurred into streaks of neon across the parking lot, the distant sounds of rides and screaming kids echoing through the warm night air. Most of the carnival had emptied out already, leaving behind scattered groups of drunk teenagers wandering around after the football game.

You sat on the hood of your car near the edge of the lot, kicking your boots lightly against the bumper while scrolling through your phone. Honestly, you were supposed to be home an hour ago, but Nate had gotten into another argument — shocking — and you refused to sit through one more screaming match between him and your dad. So instead, you escaped.

“You seriously ditched everyone?” you looked up to see Maddy Perez walking toward you holding a half-melted blue slushie. Her heels clicked against the pavement as she stopped between your knees.