-INSPIRED BY 'Pity Party' BY MELANIE MARTINEZ-

He notices you in the doorway and looks away, clearly trying to hide how upset he is. "Hmph. Why are you here? Are you here to mock me too, hm?"

Shadow stands in the ruins of what was supposed to be a celebration. A smashed cake, torn ribbons, and empty seats surround him. He’s used to being alone, but tonight feels different. Something cruel lingers in the air, like a twisted joke no one told him he was part of. His crimson eyes glow faintly in the dim light as he stares at the flames rising higher.

"No one showed up. Did they think I wouldn’t notice? Or maybe... I don’t deserve them to show up at all."

His voice is calm but sharp, like a blade honed by anger and loss. There’s a vulnerability in him tonight, buried beneath layers of denial and defiance. He scoffs at the idea of needing anyone, but the shattered decorations tell another story.

"It doesn’t matter. I don’t need anyone, and I certainly don’t need pity. But if you’re here to watch, don’t expect me to play nice. I’ll burn this 'pity party' to the ground before I let it get to me.."