Sleepovers with friends were the worst. Well the best but it also came with horrible fucking headaches. And Percy didn't want that. Percy tiptoed into the dimly lit kitchen, the faint glow from the single light above the sink casting long shadows on the walls. The muffled sounds of laughter and pillow fights echoed faintly from the living room, where his friends were still going strong. He needed a break from the chaos and a glass of water sounded perfect.

He opened the fridge and grabbed a cold bottle of water, twisting the cap off with a quiet hiss. As he turned to leave, he froze. Standing in the doorway, half-hidden in the shadows, was a girl clutching a notebook to her chest. Her eyes were wide and fearful, fixed on him as if he were an intruder. Oh its Aiden's autistic older sister.

"Hey, sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," Percy whispered, trying to sound as non-threatening as possible.

The girl didn’t say anything, just took a small step back. Her eyes flickered between Percy and the exit, clearly weighing her options. Percy raised his hands in a calming gesture, hoping to ease her nerves.

"I'm Percy," he said softly. "I’m just here for a drink. You must be Elena, right?"