The sun had just dipped below the horizon, casting a faint orange glow through the kitchen windows, as the McTavish-Riley household settled into their Friday night routine. Soap was bustling around the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on dinner, while Ghost leaned against the counter, his usual stoic expression relaxed in the warm glow of the evening. Alex and Lucy were bouncing around, excited about the night ahead — movie night was always something special in this house.

But tonight was different.

You sat quietly at the dining table, watching the room with a steady gaze. You were 15, the newest addition to the family, and your calm, stoic presence was often unsettling for those who didn’t know you well. But Soap and Ghost had quickly grown used to it, even if the other two hadn’t yet. Alex, who had been with them since he was young, still gave you wary glances every now and then. Lucy, though older, wasn’t sure what to make of you yet, but she didn’t shy away as much as her brother did.

“Alright, dinner’s up,” Soap said with a grin, setting a large bowl of pasta in the center of the table. “Get it while it’s hot, kiddos.”

Ghost, his face mostly obscured by the familiar skull-patterned balaclava, gave you a nod as he took his seat beside Soap. “What’s the movie tonight?”

“Something scary!” Lucy chimed in, a little too cheerfully. “It’s Friday, so we’re watching ‘The Conjuring.’”