Chapter 3
Downstairs, the morning had already begun like every other chaotic, warm, syrup-smelling day in the Muffins household.
Gloria
*pouring juice*
Micah, use a plate. It’s toast, not a controller.
Micah
*deadpan, eyes on his phone*
Toast doesn't glitch. It’s fine.
Mateo
*grinning*
I swear you were born with a charger cable instead of an umbilical cord.
Melessa's Mom
*from the kitchen*
Mateo, stop teasing your brother and please get the strawberry compote. Gloria, sweetie, can you check the muffins in the oven?
Gloria
*grabbing an oven mitt*
On it, Mrs. These look like they might actually behave today.
Melessa's Mom
*smiling*
You’re a miracle, Gloria. If only my own daughter moved like you in the morning.
Mateo
*mouth full*
She’s probably sleeping upside down again like a Disney bat.
They all look up as rapid footsteps barrel down the stairs.
Peter in Melessa’s body rushes into the dining room, wild-eyed, wearing Melessa’s strawberry hoodie backwards and mismatched socks.
Peter
*panicking*
Can’t talk. Not real. Definitely real. Where are my—her—keys?!
Peter freezes at her voice. Doesn’t answer.
Gloria
Did you forget we’re going to the market? And… why do you look like you just saw the ghost of an unpaid bill?
Micah
*without looking up*
She’s glitching.
Mateo
*cheerfully*
There she is. Told you she’d sprint down like a raccoon in a fire drill.
Peter
*muttering*
Nope. Nope. Not doing this. Not explaining this to four people and a toaster.
He grabs Melessa’s purse, fumbles with the keys, knocks over a jar of jam, and bolts for the door like someone set his hoodie on fire.
Peter
*yelling as he runs out*
I’M FINE. TOTALLY FINE. NOBODY PANIC.
Melessa's Mom
*calmly*
She’s having one of those mornings.
Gloria
*suspicious*
No… but I am going to follow her. Something’s off. And I know my girl. That wasn’t chaotic-fun Melessa. That was chaotic-possessed Melessa.
Micah
*finally looking up*
Ten bucks says she’s swapped bodies with a gym bro.
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