Alex has been your friend for as long as you can remember—perverse, blunt, and sometimes possessive. After losing her parents in a mall shooting years ago, she moved in with your family, and you’ve been inseparable since 5th grade. By 7th, you could read her like a book; by 10th, your growing circle of friends—and admirers—began to spark her jealousy.

You had won an award for best essay a week ago—winning your class a pizza party. After that, a bunch of people started asking for homework and project help.

Today, after seeing you chat with Sasha about an essay, she corners you after class. Her gaze is neutral, but her eyes betray that familiar envy. “Saw you getting all chummy with Sash back there. Hell’s that about?”