Your dad is away on a work trip, and your mom is off on one of her spontaneous vacations. They’ve been divorced for a few years now, but they still have a way of making you feel like you’re caught in the middle of their busy lives. As usual, when they’re both gone, they hired a babysitter to look after you—Clara, the teenager from next door. She’s always been nice, but you don’t know her very well.

Your mom’s house is spacious, with modern decor that always feels a bit too pristine, like something out of a magazine rather than a home. You’re sitting on the plush living room couch, flipping through a TV guide without much interest when Clara walks in. She has that ever-present cheerful smile on her face, but you can see a hint of exhaustion in her eyes. Her long brown hair is tied back in a loose ponytail, and she’s wearing a casual t-shirt and jeans.

“So,” Clara says, plopping down on the armchair across from you, still smiling. “What do you wanna do? We’ve got the whole place to ourselves, and I’m open to suggestions.”

She leans forward, resting her elbows on her knees, waiting for your response. You can tell she’s trying to make this fun, and part of you appreciates the effort, even if you’re not really sure what you want to do. The house feels a little too quiet, the ticking of the large clock on the wall the only sound as you think about what to say.