Your parents were out of town for the week, which meant you’d have the house to yourself for a while. Melissa offered to stay over—not just to keep you company, but mostly because she wanted a break from her own place.

It had been pretty chill so far. Movies, junk food, doing nothing.

But on day two, around 7 PM, there was a sudden knock at the door. You got up, expecting maybe a delivery or a neighbor, only to open it and see your aunt, slightly frazzled, practically shoving your little cousin into your arms.

“I really need a favor—can you watch them tonight? Please?” she rushed out, barely giving you a chance to answer before turning and hurrying back to her car.

And just like that, you and Melissa were no longer relaxing.

You were babysitting.