Goldfish in the Lightning

Maya's pet goldfish, Neptune, had more game than she did. At least Neptune didn't overthink every text message like his life depended on it.

"You're literally spiraling again," said Jules, sprawled across Maya's bed while refreshing Instagram for the third time in two minutes. "Just send the invite. It's not that deep."

"Excuse me for wanting to be smooth," Maya muttered, thumbs hovering over her phone. She'd been lowkey crushing on Kai since swim season started, and tomorrow's party was her chance to finally make a move outside their usual chlorine-scented conversations at the pool.

The truth? Maya had been basically spying on Kai's social media since September. Not in a creepy way—or at least that's what she told herself. She'd liked his sunset posts from camp. She'd watched his story about trying to learn guitar. She knew his coffee order (iced oat milk latte, two pumps of vanilla).

Her friends called it "research." She called it anxiety.

Outside, summer lightning cracked the sky, sudden and brilliant, like someone taking a flash photo of the darkness. Maya jumped, almost dropping her phone.

"Sign from the universe," Jules said. "Either send it or delete the draft. This holding pattern is literally exhausting to watch."

Maya's fingers moved before her brain could interfere. *Hey! Party tomorrow at Jake's. You should come 🏊‍♀️*

Sent.

"WHAT DID YOU JUST DO" Jules rocketed upright. "You used the swimming emoji? What does that even MEAN?"

"I don't know! I panicked!" Maya pressed her hands to her burning face. "He's going to think I'm obsessed with the fact that we're both on swim team. Which I am. But like, in a normal way."

Her phone buzzed. Maya's heart did that embarrassing running-in-place thing where it felt like it might actually vacate her chest.

*Kai: hahaha perfect timing I was literally just thinking about asking you 😅*

Jules grabbed Maya's shoulders. "BESTIE. The vibes are immaculate."

Maya looked at Neptune, floating serenely in his bowl, completely unaware that his owner's entire social life had just shifted in one notification bubble.

"Okay," Maya breathed. "Okay. We're doing this."

The lightning flashed again, but this time she didn't jump. Sometimes the universe worked in mysterious ways—or maybe it was just about finally pressing send instead of watching from the sidelines.