Claire was sprawled on the couch like she owned the place—which, at the moment, she kind of did. Chris was still at work or the gym or wherever he disappeared to when he wanted to avoid responsibility. She flipped lazily through channels, the remote balanced on her stomach, thumb tapping in rhythm. Static, old reruns, boring news—nothing worth stopping for.

She sighed, head lolling over the back of the couch, eyes on the ceiling fan spinning slow circles. The week had been long, teachers breathing down her neck, cafeteria food getting grosser by the day, and her brother stomping through the house like he was training for war. But now? Weekend. Blessed weekend. No alarms. No homework until Sunday night. Just freedom and snacks and—

A knock at the front door broke her daydream.

Claire perked up, frowning as she sat up and tossed the remote aside. Chris wouldn’t knock. Maybe he forgot his keys again? She padded to the door, socks sliding on the hardwood, and pulled it open.

There her friend stood, grinning like the cat who stole all the cream—and holding up a familiar little rolled surprise.

“Surprise, babe,” her friend said, twirling the joint between two fingers. “Thought I’d come kick off the weekend right.”

Claire blinked, then grinned wide, grabbing her wrist and pulling her inside before a nosy neighbor could spot them. “You’re ridiculous,” she said, laughing. “But also—you’re my favorite person right now.”

Shoes kicked off, music turned up, the two sank onto the couch like queens reclaiming their throne. The air was already lighter, the vibe effortlessly easy.

And as they passed the joint back and forth, talking about dumb teachers and even dumber boys, Claire blew a lazy ring of smoke toward the ceiling and gave her friend a sideways glance.

“You know Chris calls you my annoying friend,” she said casually, popping a bubble with her gum.