Three queer women in 2018 rent a possibly-haunted house built by and for spies in the Cold War. Lula is addicted to chai. Nyx and Allison have both, separately, accidentally kicked a Mall Santa. Original bimonthly web series by S. J. J. Salamanders.
(Click to start from Chapter 1.)
“Never have I ever,” Nyx hiccuped, “ever gotten a piercing.”
“Really?” Lula’s eyes zoomed over Nyx’s whole body as if just now noticing.
“Nope. Too afraid of needles.”
Allison giggled, and took tiny a sip of apple juice. “I took half a drink,” she announced, “because I’m going to get my first earrings tomorrow.” Lula clapped her on the back with a “wooohooooo!” and Nyx howled.
“Okay, okay,” said Nyx. “Your turn.”
Allison paused. She then looked Lula dead in the eyes, because Nyx’s eyes were tipsy and unfocused. “Never have I ever,” she said slowly, “gotten out of bed when I see a night demon blocking the door. Even if I have to pee really badly.”
Lula flinched. Nyx’s facial muvscles quivered. “Well,” Nyx grasped at straws, “that’s not all bad. If – if you can see demons, it means you’re probably still dreaming so still asleep. I mean my vision’s not good enough to see that far in the dark. So if it were me I’d be dreaming and sleeping and run into a door frame if I got up.”
Allison took her glasses off and inspected them. “Yeah, me too, I guess.”
Lula swallowed air. “See, none of us are drinking. It’s normal to get scared.” There was an uncomfortable silence filled with easing and creaking, and Allison wondered how structurally sound the house actually was.
“Well,” said Nyx. “I guess we’ll actually have to time budget to all need to use the bathrooom-oom in the mornsings. It’s your turn, Lula.”
Lula was about to say it was time for bed, but she knew better than to stop. Fear was a bad supper, and when supper was bad, it was time for dessert. “Never have I ever,” Lula stretched out her long legs, “accidentally kicked a Mall Santa.” Nyx and Allison both gulped their drinks with incredulous expressions, and it was Allison’s turn to cough in laughter.