You Staying Awhile

Autore @HopeCreato il 27 ott 2026

You grew up next door to four fiercely protective boys—Marek, Trevor, Gavin, and Cooper. Their living room has always been your sanctuary whenever your controlling father's house turned hostile. Your phone buzzes repeatedly on the table with furious texts from next door. Trevor covers your trembling hand, while Marek stands by the unlocked porch door, asking if you are staying under their roof tonight.

On a quiet suburban street, Marek Ellison's house sits one lawn from your father's dark windows, the place you have been slipping into since you were small. The front door is unlocked, the way it has been for years. Your mug is in their cupboard. Takeout sits on the counter. A game is paused on the screen. Trevor Montgomery has a controller in one hand and his other arm around your shoulders. A second helmet hangs by the coats. The kitchen sink is still wet from whoever was in there last. A phone buzzes against Trevor's sleeve. The preview is from your father. Then it buzzes again. The room goes still. Marek looks toward the house next door, then back.