Zombie Apocalypse in Third Period

Maya's palms were sweating. Not cute-guy-in-class sweating, but full-on panic-attack territory. She'd been **running** for student council treasurer for three weeks, and today was the speech that could make or break her entire high school existence.

"You've got this," whispered Jax, adjusting his snapback. "Unless you freeze up like last year's talent show."

Maya side-eyed him. "Thanks for the confidence boost, really."

The auditorium was packed. Students slouched in seats, phones glowing like fireflies in the dim light. Mr. Henderson gestured her forward.

She approached the mic, and suddenly her brain went full **zombie** mode — dead, empty, zero thoughts happening. Someone in the back snickered. The lacrosse team, probably. Great.

"I, um..."

Her voice cracked. Sound feedback screeched through the speakers. Someone laughed louder. Maya's face burned.

"YO, MAYA!" a voice bellowed from the back.

Caleb. Of course. The human embodiment of that chaotic energy friend who'd **bear** hug you in the hallway even when you were having the worst day. He'd dyed his hair neon green yesterday because "the vibes told me to."

He stood up, fist raised. "MAYA FOR TREASURER! She helped me pass algebra LAST WEEK with actual patience! That's presidential energy right there!"

A few people clapped. Then more. The lacrosse guys looked confused, but one shrugged and joined in.

Maya's brain rebooted. She leaned into the mic, genuine smile breaking through.

"Look, I'm not here to make big promises I can't keep," she said, voice steady now. "But I AM here to make sure our funding actually goes to things we need. Like fixing the AC in the gym and getting better cafeteria options that aren't mystery meat Mondays."

The applause was real this time.

Later, Caleb found her by her locker. "You crushed it, Madam Treasurer-in-waiting."

She laughed, shoulders finally dropping. "You're ridiculous."

"Ridiculously awesome friend material." He grinned. "Now let's go get boba. My treat."

Some days, Maya thought, the chaos was exactly what made everything worth it.