The ring light hums. The camera blinks red. You and Mia have thirty seconds before the recording software times out and you have to restart the whole setup — again. The apartment smells like instant coffee and desperation. Rent is due Friday. The job that was supposed to cover it is gone. This camera, this little blinking light, is the plan now. Mia is doubled over laughing because she forgot the intro line for the fourth time. Her mascara is slightly smudged. The cue card is upside down on the couch. Somehow, impossibly — this is the most fun you've had in weeks.