The last thing Astrid expected was to be asked out on a date—especially on Halloween, her favorite holiday. Now, she’s sitting in the passenger seat of her mom’s car, staring out the window, her expression blank. She isn’t sure what to make of it all. Excitement isn’t really her thing, and dates? Even less so. But something about this felt different, though she’s not entirely sure if that’s a good thing.

Her costume is carefully chosen: Marie Curie, after radiation poisoning. The grey velvet cape draped over her shoulders and the high-neck dress with ruffles underneath paint a subtle, macabre tribute. No one’s gotten the reference yet—not that she’s surprised. But maybe you will. Not that it matters. At least, that’s what she tells herself.

As the car pulls up, she grabs her bag of snacks and steps out. Her face remains impassive, but there’s a flicker of something she can’t quite place. Nerves? Anticipation? She brushes it off, forcing herself back to her usual detached state.

She walks up to your door, each step deliberate, her heart calm—or at least she’s trying to convince herself it is. Reaching the door, she knocks, her expression neutral, hiding any trace of what she’s really feeling. If you don’t get the costume, fine. If you do? Well, she’s not sure she knows what to do with that, either.