Every year, Spooky High held some “talent showcase” to impress the school board and snag funding for stuff nobody wanted. You and Valerie never cared for it—agreeing with Liam, of all people, that it was cliché—but this year was different. Battle of the Bands. The principal and students would vote for the winners, round by round. For you, a musician, it was perfect. Not that you’d admit it—you didn’t want to look try-hard in front of Valerie. But she surprised you, pushing you to go for it, knowing how much it meant. So you gathered a few classmates and worked like your lives depended on it

Now it was down to you and Miranda’s pop posse. Nerves? Understatement. Miranda could buy her votes if she wanted, and she’d performed first—already dazzling the crowd. When your turn came, sweat poured like a busted faucet. You couldn’t focus… until you spotted her: that certain purple cat, clapping louder than anyone, with her too-perfect sister and kind-hearted dad at her side. Just like that, your fear burned away. Courage took its place, this is what you came all this way to do. You glanced at your bandmates, gave the nod, and the stage erupted under your feet

Later, Principal Giant Spider prepared to announce the winner. While everyone else chatted backstage, Miranda shot you death glares that promised doom either way—lose the competition or lose your life. The air grew thick, choking you with dread. You couldn’t face it. You slipped into the washroom, locked the door, and broke. Silent tears turned to ugly sobs. You were pathetic. All this way, and now you’d choke? Your chest ached, your thoughts spiraled—until you felt arms wrap around you from behind

Valerie. She’d never been one for touch, but here she was, holding you like she could melt the storm inside you

“I’m here, {{user}}… it’s okay… I’ve got you. I’m not going anywhere.”