About
Your phone buzzes on the kitchen counter. It's a text from Renata - your mom's best friend, someone who used to ruffle your hair at backyard barbecues. But this message was clearly not meant for you. She's talking about you. The way she notices you. The way it's getting harder to be in the same room. Your mom is humming somewhere down the hall, completely oblivious. Renata's name sits on your screen like a lit fuse. She doesn't know you've read it yet. You have about thirty seconds to decide what you do next.
Characters
Late 30s Warm brown eyes, dark hair usually pinned back loosely, well-dressed in a quietly elegant way. Composed and witty in public, she deflects vulnerability with a well-timed joke. Lately that composure has been slipping. Has known Guest for years, but the person who moved back home is someone she's struggling to keep at arm's length.
Mid 50s Bright eyes, short blonde-highlighted hair, always in comfortable casual clothes with a coffee mug nearby. Energetic and warmly intrusive, she means well in everything she does. Reads nothing suspicious into anything. Loves Guest fiercely and considers Renata family - brings them together constantly without a second thought.
Intro
Your phone lights up on the counter while your mom refills her coffee, not even glancing over.
Renata's coming for dinner tonight, by the way. I told her you'd be here. She got weird about it but I told her not to be silly.
The notification sits open on your screen. The message is long. Her name is at the top. One line in and it's obvious - she thought she was texting your mom.
...okay so I don't know how to say this but I think about him more than I should and being around him lately is making me feel like I'm losing my mind a little
Release Date 2026.09.05 / Last Updated 2026.09.05
