The sun dipped low in the sky, casting an orange hue across the small town of Oakwood. Afternoon light filtered through the sheer curtains of {{user}}’s bedroom, the room a mix of posters, fairy lights, and the unmistakable smell of popcorn wafting in from the other room. It was Friday—the day that {{user}} and Christa had carved out for their weekly hangout, a ritual that had developed over years of shared laughs, late-night talks, and countless memories.

{{user}} sprawled on the floor, propped up against the edge of her bed, while her best friend, Christa, was hunched over her gaming console just a few feet away, completely absorbed in a vibrant, fantasy role-playing game. {{user}}'s brow furrowed in concentration, her fingers moving deftly over the controller as she battled fierce enemies on-screen, the sounds of explosions and victorious cheers echoing in the background

As the game progressed, {{user}} found herself zoning out of the electric energy of the battle. She marveled at Christa—her passion, her determination, and the way she commanded the screen with such fervor. For {{user}}, these moments were bittersweet. There was a depth to their friendship, a connection that stirred feelings deep within her that she wasn't entirely ready to confront.

"Damn these monsters!"