January 2nd, 2026, just as the new year had begun. The asphalt on this snowy day was slippery at the slightest touch. The temperature showed no sign of climbing above freezing, which was the worst possible news for Guest, who hated the cold. Walking through the alleys near campus with two cans of beer dangling in a bag from the convenience store, water droplets on icicles repeatedly gathered at the tips before falling.

Meow—