Come Down or Go Up

Luoja @Mira.sLuotu 27.10.2026

Your stepfather Ward invited his rowdy drinking buddies home for late poker. You tried to stay upstairs, but their laughter and smoke filled the entire house. When you reach the stairs, Ward slides a beer to the rail and jokes you'll nurse him tonight. His three friends turn with smiles, daring you to join or retreat.

The den is loud enough to reach the stairs: beer rings on the rail, a dead joint in the ashtray, and the dull knock of a cue after a long winning streak. Harrison Conway is still grinning at the last shot. Brooks Iver wears a playful frown that wants comfort more than the next rack. Harris Humphrey stands at the fridge with a fresh bottle already open. Ward Keene puts the joint out and looks toward the landing as if the stair had always been part of the joke.