The Social Pyramid Scheme

Maya's goldfish, Bubbles, stared at her through the glass with those dead-eyed fish looks that said everything and nothing at all. Typical. Just like high school.

"You coming to Jordan's party?" Riley asked, flopping onto Maya's bed. Her best friend had been trying to drag Maya out of her shell since seventh grade.

"Pass," Maya muttered, scrolling through her phone. "Social interactions aren't exactly my vibe."

Riley's cat, Mango, chose that moment to knock over Maya's chemistry notebook. The orange tabby gave her a look that was straight-up judgmental.

"You can't hide in your room forever," Riley said. "The social pyramid exists whether you participate or not. You're either climbing it or getting buried under it."

"That sounds suspiciously like a pyramid scheme," Maya countered. "And I don't have the emotional budget for multilevel marketing right now."

Riley sighed dramatically. "Jordan's literally dating the Sphinx of North High. You know, that senior who never speaks but everyone thinks is deep? If I can survive talking to them, you can survive a party."

"The Sphinx?" Maya raised an eyebrow. "Does Jordan solve riddles to make out?"

"No, but they radiate main character energy," Riley said. "Look, all I'm saying is you're low-key brilliant and weird in the best way. People would actually like you if you gave them a chance."

Maya looked at Bubbles, who was now doing laps around his plastic castle. The fish had a three-second memory, which honestly sounded peaceful. No overthinking every conversation, no obsessing over whether people actually liked you or were just being polite.

"Fine," Maya said. "But if I'm socially awkward, you owe me boba."

"Deal." Riley grinned. "Besides, the worst that happens is you stand in the corner eating snacks. That's practically your natural habitat."

Maya grabbed her jacket. Whatever. Maybe it was time to climb the pyramid. Or at least stand at the base and judge everyone else doing it.

Bubbles blew a bubble at her as she left. Even the fish knew she was overthinking it.