Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse

Maya dragged herself into Jordan's basement party feeling like a literal zombie. Finals week had officially killed her soul, and now she was supposed to socialize? The energy required to be 'on' felt impossible.

'You look dead,' said Chloe, appearing beside her with two Solo cups.

'Thanks, Chlo. Really selling it.' Maya accepted the cup anyway. 'I swear I'm operating on pure caffeine and spite at this point.'

Chloe laughed, then lowered her voice. 'So, I heard Tyler's finally going to confess his feelings to Raven tonight. About time, right?'

Maya perked up. 'Wait, actually? Tyler's been carrying that torch for, like, two years. He's such a bear about it—all broody and protective whenever someone else talks to her.'

'True.' Chloe scanned the room. 'But honestly? I think it's bull. He's all talk lately. I bet he chickens out again.'

Across the room, Tyler caught Maya's eye and made a weird gesture that looked like he was either having a seizure or signaling for backup. Maya raised an eyebrow, and he mouthed 'HELP ME.'

Raven had cornered him against the wall, gesturing dramatically at something on her phone. Poor Tyler looked like he'd rather be anywhere else.

'Speak of the devil,' Maya said. 'Raven's probably showing him her new art portfolio again. That girl's talented but zero chill when she's passionate.'

'Or she's roasting his Spotify Wrapped,' Chloe suggested. 'You know she hates his taste.'

Suddenly the basement lights flickered and died. Someone screamed playfully. 'ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE!' someone shouted.

In the darkness, Maya heard Tyler's voice ring out clearly: 'Raven, I've been meaning to tell you something—'

The lights blazed back on. Tyler was visibly sweating, Raven was staring at him with wide eyes, and literally everyone was pretending they hadn't been listening.

'Um,' said Raven.

'The zombie apocalypse,' Tyler blurted. 'I was going to say—would you be my partner? In said apocalypse? I mean, zombie fighting requires teamwork and—'

Raven started laughing. 'Tyler, you giant dork. Yes. Obviously.'

The room erupted in cheers. Chloe elbowed Maya. 'Called it. Total bear move—awkward but effective.'

'Maybe not bull after all,' Maya grinned, feeling alive for the first time in weeks.