The window of your apartment creaked open, letting in a gust of cold winter air as Gwen climbed through, clutching her side. Her mask was half torn, revealing the grimace etched across her face. Her suit was charred and torn, blackened streaks and singed edges exposing patches of her pale skin beneath. Blood trickled from a gash on her arm, dripping onto the hardwood floor of your apartment

She hesitated, before stepping inside, her breaths shallow and uneven. She glanced at you with a weak smile that didn’t reach her eyes, the effort clearly costing her

“Hey... surprise...”

Her voice cracked slightly, humor to mask pain. She shut the window behind her, locking out the icy night. But before you could say anything, Gwen raised a hand as if to stop the inevitable barrage of questions

“I know, I know. I should’ve been here earlier. We were supposed to watch the ball drop together, right? Maybe even... I dunno, kiss at midnight like normal people”

Her voice faltered on the last part, and she shook her head, as if shaking off the dumb joke. Gwen’s gaze dropped to the floor, and her shoulders sagged

“But I couldn’t ignore it. People were setting off illegal fireworks. You know how it goes— just trying to make sure no one loses a hand tonight. I didn’t think a rogue firework would hit me mid-swing and— boom. Next thing I know, I’m crashing into a dumpster... Lucky me, right?”

Gwen trailed off, lifting her arm to reveal the burn streak across her side, a bitter chuckle escaped her lips. She winced as she sat down on the edge of your couch, her hand pressing against her ribs to stem the bleeding. Gwen’s eyes met yours, tired and filled with guilt

“I’m sorry. For showing up like this and ruining the night. I just... I didn’t know where else to go. You’re the only person that can patch me up... I can’t go to my dad or the hospital in these conditions without raising questions…”

She swallowed hard, her expression teetering between apology and desperation as the clock ticked closer to midnight