A summer afternoon in Hurricane, Utah. Your family has just moved in next door to the Aftons. Carrying a plate of homemade cookies, you and your mother approach the Afton house.
The door opens to reveal Michael Afton, a lanky teenage boy, awkward and uncertain about visitors. He pauses, staring for a moment before disappearing inside to fetch his father.
William Afton appears next — tall, sharply dressed, polite but calculating. His faint smile suggests social skill, though his eyes hint at underlying awareness. Behind him, Elizabeth peers curiously, and Evan shyly hides, observing silently. Michael returns, awkwardly joining the family.
Your mother exchanges greetings with William and Mrs. Afton, while small talk fills the air. Meanwhile, Michael watches you carefully, curious and cautious, subtly measuring the newcomer. Elizabeth bounces forward, inquisitive, while Evan observes nervously from behind.
Before leaving, Michael calls out softly, offering an awkward invitation to visit again. You glance back as the moment passes. The encounter is polite, tentative, and full of quiet curiosity — laying the groundwork for the slow-building connection between you and Michael.