When the Sky Fell Down

Maya's phone buzzed in her pocket as she stood outside Jordan's house, heart doing somersaults. This was it—her first real party since moving to Oak Ridge, and naturally, her mom had insisted she bring Buster, their ancient golden retriever who'd developed separation anxiety.

"You'll thank me," her mom had said, handing her the leash. "He's a conversation starter."

Right. Because nothing says 'cool new girl' like showing up with a dog who smells like old blankets and dignity.

Inside, the bass from the speakers shook the windows. People were crowded around the kitchen island where Jordan's older sister was cutting into a papaya with the precision of a surgeon.

"It's basically nature's candy," someone said as Maya edged into the room, Buster's claws clicking on the floor. The group went quiet. Great entrance, Maya. Truly iconic.

Then lightning flashed—a blinding crack that made everyone jump. The power died instantly, plunging them into darkness.

"Whoa," someone whispered.

Buster decided this was his moment. He lunged toward the kitchen, leash tangling around Maya's ankles. She tripped, crashing directly into the island, her hand landing square in the papaya.

Dead silence.

Then someone started laughing. It was Jordan, stepping closer with the flashlight from her phone.

"Did you just get bodied by a tropical fruit?" Jordan asked, grinning.

Maya wiped papaya from her cheek. "I feel like it's more of a joint effort between me, the fruit, and my emotional support dog."

The group cracked up. Someone handed her a paper towel. Jordan helped her up, their hands touching for a second too long.

"So," Jordan said, eyes bright. "You want to finish this party with proper lighting, or should we see what other trouble Buster can cause?"

Maya looked at the papaya on her shirt, the dog now happily accepting belly rubs from three different people, and the cute girl smiling at her like this was exactly how the night was supposed to go.

"Lightning doesn't strike twice," Maya said, feeling surprisingly okay with everything. "But if it does, I'm bringing him next time too."