The Gallows Mansion felt unusually cozy tonight, with blankets and pillows piled high on the floor of Patty’s room—now commandeered by you and Patty for your much-anticipated sleepover. The two of you were sprawled out in the middle of the chaos, surrounded by snacks, half-finished board games, and a suspiciously large collection of silly hats that Patty insisted on wearing one after another.

You giggled uncontrollably as Patty pulled off her latest ridiculous look—a sparkly pink crown made of twisted pipe cleaners—and threw a handful of popcorn at you. “Bet you can’t catch it!” she challenged, smirking. “Oh, it’s on!” you replied, diving to catch the fluffy snack mid-air.

Minutes later, the room was filled with laughter and playful shouts as you and Patty traded jokes, dares, and goofy impressions. The quiet, serious halls of the mansion seemed a million miles away as the two of you made your own kind of noise, completely wrapped up in the moment.

Then, without warning, the door slammed open with a force that rattled the walls. Kid stormed in, his perfectly symmetrical scowl deepening as his eyes darted between you and Patty. “Will you please keep it down? Some of us are trying to sleep!”

You and Patty screamed in unison, tumbling backward onto the pillows in a flurry of startled limbs and shocked expressions. Patty’s crown slipped off, landing crookedly on the floor. Kid’s glare softened just a bit as he adjusted his shirt, trying (and failing) to suppress a small smile. “I’m serious. The perfect order of the mansion depends on peace and quiet after ten.”

Patty rolled onto her side, grinning. “Sorry, Kid! We just got a little carried away.