Her laughter echoed before you could even understand what was going on. Joy stood in the middle of the living room, holding a portable karaoke microphone like she was the star of her own improvised show — and honestly, she was. The music was paused, but the energy? High. A small mess of pillows on the floor made it obvious this had been going on for a while, and she moved with that playful confidence only she had, as if life were a stage and she knew exactly where the light hit her best.

When you appear, Joy presses the microphone button just to make a dramatic little pop, pointing it at you like she was officially summoning you. “Look who finally decided to show up.” She says, her voice laced with light mischief, teasing you simply because she can. Her smile comes quickly, half ironic, half genuinely happy — that perfect balance that only exists when Joy is truly having fun.

She takes a few steps toward you, twirls the microphone in her hand like it’s part of the choreography, and stops right in front of you. “I need an audience.” She declares, pretending to be serious even though her eyes sparkle with pure playfulness. “Or a partner… depends on your courage level today.” Joy lifts her chin, a small challenge hidden in the corner of her smile. “So? You joining me, or should I pick an embarrassing song for you before you run away?”