"After the Celebration"
Setting:
The night is electric with laughter as Ath, Luna, Carson, and Kade pile into the car, the excitement from the nightclub still coursing through their veins. Ath feels a rush of joy; today has been one of ath's best days yet.
Action:
As they drive through the dimly lit streets, Ath glances over at Gabriel, who sits beside fighter with a charming, slightly goofy smile. In the backseat, Carson is trying to balance two cups of drink while Luna and Kade are playfully shoving each other.
Carson (with exaggerated seriousness):
"Listen, if I spill this, it'll be a total catastrophe! It's not just a drink; it's an elixir of life!"
Luna:
"Elixir? More like a 'liquid regret' in your case!"
Carson narrows his eyes, dramatically clutching the cups like they're the most precious artifacts in the world.
Carson:
"I'll have you know, I'm a connoisseur of fine beverages! Now, hold your horses!"
Just as he says that, he accidentally bumps the cup against Kade's elbow, causing it to spill all over his lap.
Kade (gasping):
"Great! Now I smell like a walking cocktail!"
Carson (giggling uncontrollably):
"Congratulations! You're officially the 'Mixed Drink Master'! What a title!"
The car erupts with laughter, and Ath joins in, ath heart lightening even more. They pull up to a red light, and Carson, feeling inspired, leans over to Ath.
Carson (in a faux-deep voice):
"May I have this dance, my lady?"
He reaches for an imaginary mic, dramatically swinging it around while pretending to serenade Ath, causing everyone to laugh even harder.
Luna:
"Carson, you might want to stick to drinking and leave the singing to the professionals!"
Ath (laughing):
"Yeah, your voice is so off-key, it might summon the cops!"
Gab:
Start singing, coz he has drink so much he was happy that ath has accept to have a drink..
Ath:
Looking at Gab the way he was singing and started laughing.
Gab:
"Did you really take down all those guys? I'm still trying to process how you made it look so easy!"
Ath (grinning):
"Easy? It was like a dance. But I guess I do have a knack for taking the lead."
The group bursts into laughter, celebrating their victory. After dropping everyone off, Ath finally heads to secret apartment, feeling lighter than air.
Transition:
After dropping everyone off, Ath finally heads to secret apartment, feeling lighter than air, Ath friends' laughter still ringing in Ath's ears.
Once inside, Ath kicks off her shoes, the familiar scent of home wrapping around Ath's like a warm hug. Ath pauses for a moment, taking in Ath space—the walls adorned with memories, the small kitchen that holds fighter comfort.
Ath (to herself):
"Time to lighten up."
Ath removes accessories, hoodie, and cargo pants, feeling the weight of the world slip away. Dressed in comfortable shorts and a soft T-shirt, and heads to the kitchen.
Action:
Ath begins cooking favorite dish—Egg Fried Ricewith Salad Wraps and a hint of spice. The sizzle fills the air, and as the aroma wafts around ath, can't help but smile.
With dinner done, ath flops onto the couch, turning on the TV. The screen flickers to life, and ath sings along to a catchy tune.
Ath (belting out):
"I'm on a whiskey diet. I've lost four hours already and can't find them anywhere! If anyone sees my sanity, please send it back!"
But then, as the song fades, memories flood ath mind—Jax, family, laughter that once filled the walls. The joy evaporates, leaving behind a heavy emptiness.
Ath (voice trembling, tears welling up):
"I miss you, Jax. You would've loved this… You made me feel like I wasn't alone."
The tears spill over, and hugs a pillow to ath's chest, grief crashing over like a tidal wave. Each sob is a release, a reminder of everything Ath's lost. Ath can almost hear Jax's laughter echoing in ath heart.
Ath (between sobs):
"I wish you were here. I wish I could tell you about today."
The floodgates open as fighter cries, letting go of the pain. The kitchen timer dings, startling ath. She sniffs and wipes eyes, trying to regain composure, but ath's too deep in the sorrow. ath grabs a noodle and holds it up like a trophy.
Ath:
"Who would have thought you'd be my therapist, huh?"
Ath takes a bite, then crumples onto the couch, laughing through tears.
Next Morning:
Ath woke up looking like a hot mess—a hairdo that resembled a bird's nest and eyes so swollen they could pass for tiny, puffy balloons. Fighter felt like a newborn who had just realized the world was full of responsibilities and zero naps!
Sunlight streams through the curtains, and Ath groans awake, feeling the remnants of last night's celebration lingering in head. Ath stumbles to the window and peeks outside, where ath spots Gab leaning against his house, looking a bit disheveled. His expression is dazed, and he's sipping a drink like it's his lifeline.
Action:
Ath overhears snippets of a conversation from his house. Gabriel's mom, clearly frustrated, is shouting from inside.
Gab's Mom (yelling):
"Who is this 'Ath' you keep talking about? Why are you drinking so much? You can't keep doing this! Who drop you home?"
Gab, still half-asleep, tries to defend himself.
Gab:
"It was just a reunion party, Mom! I have my own ride! Why should I wait for someone to drop me home?"
Suddenly, the door swings open, and Gabriel's mom storms out, hands on her hips and eyes blazing with concern.
Gab's Mom:
"Oh, look who decided to grace us with his presence! You know, I was worried I'd have to send out a search party—again! Who do you think you are, the King of the Night?"
Gab rubs his head, trying to shake off the hangover and the impending lecture.
Gab:
"Relax, Mom! It was just a little fun—"
Gab's Mom (cutting him off):
"A little? You call that a little? I called you a dozen times! You were probably too busy drinking to even notice!"
She steps closer, pointing a finger at him, her voice half-serious, half-joking.
Gab's Mom:
"Are you trying to become a professional drinker? Because if you are, I need to start charging you rent for the bar tab!"
Ath can't help but stifle a laugh at the absurdity of the situation, watching the drama unfold from window.
Gab (grinning sheepishly):
"Well, I guess I'll just have to stick around to keep the legend of 'Ath's Biggest Fan' alive!"
Ath doubles over in laughter, tears streaming down ath face—not from sadness, but from the sheer joy of the moment.
Ath (to herself, grinning):
"Maybe today won't be so bad after all."
As the laughter fades, ath realizes how important these connections are, how they pull ath from the depths of loneliness. With a renewed sense of hope, ath begins her day, a mix of humor and heart leading forward.