Cat Games Part 3: The Game

No! I’m late. Another stack of textbooks presented itself for shelving from some dark corner just as I was finished with what I thought would be the last box. I’m ready to go! I hate this bookstore gig, but I need the money to help work my way through school. I finish as quickly as I can and strut out of the storage room, focused on hurrying home as quickly as possible.

My stomach grumbles as I snatch up my bag. It’s nearly party time and I haven’t managed to eat something for dinner. I stop at the front registers on my way out and I buy an oversized bag of gummy bears and a banana. I shove the banana in my mouth as I pay the clerk, and pocket the sweets in my jeans as I shuffle past late night studiers and other students meeting up for evening plans. No! It’s not going to make a good impression on Rayne or her friends if I can’t manage a little punctuality.

I arrive at the apartment and hear multiple voices inside. I take a deep breath, smooth over my loose, long brown hair over my button-down blouse and walk through the door.

The sound of laughter greets me.

“Oh my god, Justin. That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all day!”

I nod to the strangers I see mingling in my living room and smile politely as I shove my bag in the closet next to the door. I feel flushed...