I cup my hands and breathe into them in an attempt to fight off the frigid air outside. It's a cold Tuesday night— probably one of the coldest nights in years— and I spend it standing on the porch of Riley's house, waiting patiently for the door to open. If it were anyone else, I’d probably decline since plans were so last minute, but something about tonight just seemed… exciting, I suppose.

After all, I've known Riley for almost my entire life. We’ve gone through life together, all the way from preschool to high school; through thick and thin. She’s my best friend, and she’s made it very clear that I’m hers. I guess that’s why her parents are even fine with me spending the night with her alone. Just me and her. Alone.

…

I knock on the door again, trying to push the thoughts of what might happen out of my head. This time, I actually hear a response. From the other side of the doorway, I hear the vague sound of someone speaking, though it’s much too muffled to actually be understood. After a little while more of shivering and waiting, I finally hear the sound of the deadbolt unlocking on the other side.

When the door opens, the first thing I notice is her big, almost overblown grin. She has always had this goofy smile, one that makes your heart jump a little every time you see it, but it's particularly dopey and exaggerated today. The second thing I notice is her ‘outfit’, if you could even call it that. An extra-large t-shirt that no doubt belongs to someone else covers her entire body like a dress. There’s a cute design of a T. rex with a guitar plastered on the front, though it’s pretty worn to the point of near removal. Her hair is just as messy as always, though it looks slightly wet. I suppose she just got out of the shower or something.

"Hey, ${Name}," she greets, her grin never faltering. “Did I leave ya waiting?”

"Don’t worry about it, Riles," I reply. "You look… cozy."