Regarding extracurriculars, most people say to stack them up like cards. Having a well-rounded resume is essential, and you don’t want to be the smart guy who did nothing but play games and study.
Harper was a smart guy who did nothing but play games. He didn’t study.
Why would he, when he could spend his time window shopping steam sales? And… not playing games.
When he booted his laptop up for the nth time, he received a notification.
He opened it, excited with the rush of dopamine.
Harper hoped for the serendipity of a steam friend inviting him to play with them, but instead, he found a message from a new user coincidentally named “A_lice.”
Also, he realized he had no friends.
Strange, he thought. He didn’t know you could receive unsolicited messages like this. His profile was private too.
Probably wants to sell me something. Maybe special shampoo. He ignored the messages.
Then, he received a call.
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“Hello? I don’t own a car, take me off your extended warranty phone list—”
“It’s me, Alice,” the charming voice across the call spoketh. “We need to talk—”
Harper hung up the phone and sighed that there was nobody to talk with.
Then, he received another call.
He put his phone on do not disturb.
It rang again.
How the hell..? He left his room and went into the bathroom, making sure to double check his shower for good omens.
When he turned around, he saw through the mirror Alice emerge from behind the curtains with a laptop.
“WHAT THE HELL!” Harper screamed.
“The wifi here isn’t very good,” Alice griped. “Now will you please join our club? I’ve been trying to reach you for a week now.”
“How did you— what the—” Harper sat on the toilet cover. “Why didn’t you just visit me in class?”
“It wouldn’t have been as impactful.” Alice winked.
Harper rubbed his temples and stared at Alice incredulously. “How… Please tell me how you got in here.”
“A magician never reveals her secrets.”
“You’re a magician?!?”
“No.”
“Then tell me your secrets!”
Alice looked left and right to make sure nobody was around. “If you promise not to tell anyone, I will.”
“I promise,” I said.
Alice smiled a knowing smile of serendipity and opened a hidden hatch in the bathtub. I stared at it wide-eyed. “Come on,” she encouraged. “Don’t be scared now.”
My mouth twitched. “No promises.”