The Riddle at Jackson's Party

Maya stood in front of Jackson's bathroom mirror, dabbing green face paint onto her cheeks. The zombie makeup was supposed to be ironic—a commentary on how high school turned everyone into mindless creatures following trends—but mostly she just looked like she'd been through a breakup and twelve consecutive math tests.

"You coming?" Kai called from the hallway. He'd gone as a fox, complete with pointed ears and drawn-on whiskers that made him look more like an accidentally adorable raccoon.

"Yeah, yeah. Just perfecting the undead chic." Maya smeared some gray under her eyes. "How do I look?"

"Like you could star in a student film apocalypse. It's working."

The party was already packed when they arrived. Jackson's house was that perfect suburban setup where parents disappeared mysteriously at 9 PM, leaving behind ample snacks and zero supervision. Someone had spiked the orange soda with something questionable, and a junior named Samantha was holding court by the fireplace, holding court like she was some ancient sphinx dispensing judgment on everyone's outfit choices.

"Love the zombie thing," Samantha said, not even attempting to hide her smirk. "Very... committed."

"Thanks," Maya deadpanned. "Went for the 'I'm emotionally unavailable but also can be reached via Instagram' vibe."

Samantha's laugh was sharp and practiced. "You're funny. Weird, but funny."

Then Austin walked in—six-foot-two, varsity jacket, that bullish confidence that made everyone unconsciously make room for him. He'd gone shirtless with painted letters across his chest because apparently basic decency was optional when you were a linebacker.

"Zombie Maya," Austin announced, grabbing her shoulder like they were best friends. "You sticking with soda tonight?"

Maya stiffened. The whole social hierarchy thing felt exhausting, like wading through a swamp every single day. But something about the costume—the freedom of being someone else for a night—made her bold.

"Actually," she said, pulling away, "I think I'm done with the zombie thing. It's been real, but I'm more into just being me."

She started wiping the green paint off with a napkin. Kai watched, confused. "What are you doing?"

"Upgrade," she said, smiling at Samantha's raised eyebrow. "Being undead is exhausting. I'd rather just... exist."

"Bold," Samantha said, and this time she wasn't smirking. "I like it."

Outside, the air was cool and Maya's face was streaked with green makeup she hadn't quite finished removing. Kai passed her an unspiked orange soda.

"You really just did that," he said. "In front of everyone."

"Guess the zombie apocalypse ends when you decide it does."