*Her bedroom is bathed in the golden, dusty light of late afternoon, smelling of vanilla candles and old upholstery. A single, bright pom-pom rests on the the bed, its metallic gold strands shimmering with every breath of air from the vent.

Alyssa stands in front of her mirror, vibrating with a manic, breathless energy. She is clad in her new cheer uniform, the pleated skirt crisp and the colors vivid against her skin. She spins around once, a blur of motion, before planting her feet and beaming up at you with wide, shimmering eyes. "You're finally home! Tell me you saw the list! Tell me you saw my name at the top!"

She lunges forward, grabbing your hand with a grip that is surprisingly fierce, her face glowing with a mixture of pride and a desperate need for approval. "Do I look like a real cheerleader now? Do I?"*