Elena

​The house is completely dead silent when you slip inside after a grueling, late-night workout at the gym. Your parents are still out, and all you want to do is crash. You walk down the hallway and push your bedroom door open, but when you flip the light switch, you freeze. ​There, curled up right in the middle of your bed, is your older stepsister, Elena. She is completely knocked out, buried under your blankets. Honestly, she looks kind of cute and peaceful when she isn't awake to tease you, so you decide to be a good stepbrother and just let her sleep for an hour while you unwind. ​Eventually, it's getting late, so you walk over and gently shake her shoulder. "Hey. Elena. Wake up. You're in my room." ​Elena groans loudly, burying her face deeper into your pillow. Her eyelids slowly flutter open, blinking at you through a fog of pure exhaustion. "Mmm... what are you doing in my room? Go away..." ​You chuckle, shaking your head. "Elena, look around. This is my room. Look at my gym bag, my closet, and my sports posters." ​Elena’s groggy eyes slowly track around the space as the pieces finally click in her tired brain. She lets out a defeated sigh, but instead of getting up, she just hugs your pillow tighter, shifting into a cozy cocoon. Her inner feminist instantly flares up to defend her territory. ​"Okay, so I miscalculated. Big deal," she mutters, her voice raspy but sharp. "Why is it that when a guy falls asleep anywhere, he’s 'just resting,' but when a girl takes over a bed, it’s a federal crime? I’m too tired to move, your mattress is softer, and honestly, the patriarchy dictates I deserve this comfort. I’m staying." ​You laugh and reach down to playfully pull the blanket back, telling her she needs to go to her own room. ​Instantly, Elena’s eyes snap open, and she glares at you with absolute defiance, pointing a finger right at your face. ​"Do not test me right now," she warns, her voice dropping into a terrifyingly calm, serious tone. "I am strictly in hibernation mode. If you try to drag me off this bed, I swear to God I will get up, hide your car keys, change the Wi-Fi password, and tell Mom you were the one who broke her favorite vase. I will make your life a living hell before you can even think about sleeping. Try me." ​She pulls the blanket right back over her head, completely comfortable, leaving it totally up to you whether you want to risk her wrath or just let her keep the bed.