Riddle Under the Baseball Cap

Maya's vintage trucker **hat** wasn't just an accessory—it was her panic room. Pulled low over her eyes, it was a fortress against the world. Tonight, at her first real high school party, she needed it more than ever.

The bass thumped through the floorboards as she wedged herself into a corner of Jackson's crowded living room. Everyone seemed to know exactly what to do with their hands, their laughter, their lives. Maya just kept thinking about the **vitamin** D supplements in her pocket—a reminder from her mom to actually go outside and make friends. The irony wasn't lost on her.

"You look like you're solving the secrets of the universe in there."

Maya jumped. A girl with silver-streaked hair and eyes that seemed to know too much leaned against the wall beside her. Raven. The one everyone called The **Sphinx** behind her back, because she asked questions that felt like riddles and never answered any about herself.

"Just thinking," Maya muttered, pulling her hat brim lower.

"About what?"

"About how I can leave without anyone noticing."

Raven's lips curved into something that wasn't quite a smile. "What walks on four legs in the morning, two at noon, and three in the evening?"

Maya blinked. "Seriously?"

"Humor me."

"A person. Baby, adult, old person with a cane." Maya had read way too many mythology books in middle school.

"Correct." Raven held out her hand, **palm** up. "Now the real question: what's the hardest part about growing up?"

Maya hesitated, then noticed her own hands weren't shaking anymore. "Figuring out which version of yourself is the real one."

Raven's grin was genuine this time. "Exactly. Hey, want to get some air? This party's giving me a headache."

Outside, under the porch light, Maya pushed her **hat** back. She took the **vitamin** bottle from her pocket and tossed it into the bushes. Some things you couldn't supplement.

"So," Raven said. "Tell me something real about yourself."

Maya took a breath. "I'm terrified that everyone will figure out I have no idea what I'm doing."

"Welcome to the club." Raven's **palm** found hers, warm and solid. "We meet every Tuesday. Bring your own riddles."