mess it up, ˢᵃᵐ ᶜᵃʳᵖᵉⁿᵗᵉʳ

𝟎𝟎𝟓.

Madison was nestled into the worn couch at Sam, Tara, and Quinn's apartment, the low hum of quiet conversation filling the space.

The small living room felt like a fragile bubble of safety amid everything swirling outside. She felt the familiar weight of tension but also something warmer, a strange kind of comfort in the company of friends who had become family.

Anika slid onto the couch beside her with a gentle smile. Madison's heart softened. She adored Anika like a sister, someone steady and kind, and she was genuinely happy Mindy had found someone like her.

"Hey, Madi," Anika began hesitantly, her voice quiet but sincere.

"Can I ask about Dewey? I've always heard stuff about him in passing, and seen the photos in your apartment. If you don't want to, that's totally fine! But... I wish I knew more about what's going on."

Madison set her book down carefully, shifting her gaze to meet Anika's. She felt a flicker of suspicion, questions about Dewey usually meant something complicated, but she also felt a quiet resolve.

She would never pass up a chance to talk about the man who'd been like a second father to her.

"Sure," she said softly.

Anika's smile deepened, gentle and encouraging. "Well... what was he like? Were you guys close?"

Madison sighed, the memory folding over her like a bittersweet shadow.

"Dewey Riley was my hero growing up. He was such a good man. Always there. He'd babysit me and tell me stories about my uncle Randy, who I'm sure Mindy's told you about. Every Friday, I'd go to his trailer just to hear those stories, about catching bad guys, fighting Ghostface. I just... I wish he was here."

Her voice cracked slightly on the last words, the ache in her chest unmistakable. The room felt smaller, the silence thick.

Anika reached out, placing her hand lightly on Madison's leg, steady and warm. "He's proud of you, I'm sure of it."

Madison closed her eyes for a moment, gratitude washing through her. She placed her hand over Anika's, holding onto the comfort before finally standing to move into the kitchen, where the others were gathered.

"Sam, we don't have to stay here—" Madison started, accepting the beer Sam offered her.

Sam shook her head, firm. "I insist. Safety in numbers."

Madison studied her face, hard edges softened by exhaustion but a fierce determination burning in her eyes. She nodded quietly.

Chad's voice cut through the tension like a burst of sunshine. "This is gonna be great. Slumber party with the Fantastic Five!"

Madison and Sam exchanged surprised glances and echoed in unison, "Fantastic Five?"

Tara looked at Chad, incredulous. "Did you just give us a nickname?"

Chad puffed out his chest, a goofy grin stretching across his face. "I sure did. I mean, we've been through a lot together. And, it's a pretty cool nickname."

Madison laughed, reaching out to slap her hand playfully on Chad's cheek, like a mother teasing a child. "That's debatable."

Sam chimed in with a smirk, "Extremely debatable."

Mindy gave her brother a pointed look. "You can't give yourself a nickname, dingus."

Chad threw his hand in the air. "Well of course I can, dingus, 'cause I just did! Fantastic Five, up top!"

Madison watched the twins bicker, the soft glow of affection warming her chest. Even in the worst moments, they could still manage to smile, and that resilience felt like a balm.