I see Emily leaning against my sister. She was trying to get a kiss from her but Rose seemed angry. “Come on, babe I swear I didn’t mean to spill my drink over your dice.” Rose rolled her eyes letting her dirty blonde hair fall into her face. “They're my lucky dice. Now I am going to roll 1s for an hour.” I chuckle as I sit behind the DM screen. 

 I notice Marco standing back unsure if he should sit down with us. “Guys meet Marco. Marco, This is Emily, Rose, Derek, and Henry” I spoke, getting everyone's attention toward Marco. Emily backs off Rose and sits in her seat. Derek, the new guy who Henry invited, glances at him before going back to his phone. Henry smiled and pulled out the chair next to him. “Welcome dude!” He said. 

 Henry was a social butterfly and probably the best DM I ever met. He had been my best friend since middle school when Taylor tried to destroy my sketchbook and out of nowhere the band geek tackled her to the ground. 

As Marco settled into the vacant seat beside Henry, the group engaged in lively chatter, discussing the characters they envisioned for "The Rise of Everlight '' campaign. Emily Smiled “ I plan to play a tiefling with her vibrant purple hair and punk-rock demeanor, a rogue with a mysterious past.” Rose, still nursing her dice-related woes, spoke “ I am playing a stoic dwarf cleric dedicated to a forgotten deity.” Derek looked up from his phone “I am going to play a wizard specializing in elemental spells… Or whatever”

Henry grinned as he described his character “Imagine a flamboyant bard named Lyric Dazzleheart who aspired to enchant not only with melodies but also with tales of legendary exploits. His eyes sparkled with excitement for weaving illusions to captivate audiences.” As the conversation flowed, Marco hesitantly shared his concept “I made a brooding half-elf ranger named Aric Nightshade, a solitary figure haunted by a mysterious past and skilled with a bow.”

The banter continued, with each player contributing to the collaborative process of building a diverse and intriguing party. Emily and Rose playfully debated whether their characters would clash or form an unlikely bond, while Derek and Henry brainstormed ways their spellcasters could complement each other in battle. As the group laughed and exchanged ideas, the tabletop game became more than just a campaign—it became a shared space for creativity, camaraderie, and the weaving of individual narratives into a collective epic.

“And with that…We will end the session” I said as I avoided Henry shooting daggers at me. I smile innocently. I knew the moment I brought in the bugbear he was gonna be pissed at me. “I love the merchant,” Emily said. Rose rolled her eyes at her girlfriend. 

My eyes shifted over to Marco who was smiling like an idiot. When he stopped being so nervous he was lively. Derek got back on his phone as he stood up to leave. “Bye, Derek! Nice to meet you!” I called out. Derek just waves as he walks off from the table. I force my smile to stay on my face.

 Henry rubbed the back of his head “Don’t mind him. He’s probably fighting with his girlfriend…” he muttered. I rolled my eyes as I looked over toward where Rose and Emily were before I realized they were also walking away, probably going somewhere to make out. “Dumbasses,” I laugh. 

 Marco looks over at me. He averts his eyes once I make full-on eye contact. “What’s up?” I say. He shakes his head “Nothing… I’ll see you next time.” Marco grabbed his stuff and scurried off, 

As Marco hurriedly made his exit, Henry and I remained at the table, surrounded by scattered character sheets, dice, and remnants of the imaginative journey we had just embarked upon. I began collecting the various pieces, my fingers deftly sorting through the maze of miniature figurines and maps. Henry leaned back in his chair, watching the departing players with a mix of amusement and mild exasperation.

 "Derek's always got some drama with his girlfriend," Henry remarked, smirking. "But hey, we managed to survive the session." I chuckled, glancing at Henry. "Yeah, I survived and thrived. Though, I did sense your disapproval when I introduced the bugbear merchant. Got something against merchants, Henry?"

He groaned with an eye roll. "It's not the merchant River. It's the way you made him talk. I swear, I've never heard such a terrible attempt at a British accent.” I laughed, a sound that echoed through the now-empty game center. "Well, not every NPC can be a masterpiece. Besides, it adds character to the world."

Henry shook his head in mock disapproval. "You and your 'character.' Anyway, great game, as always. I'll catch you later, River." With that, he gathered his belongings and headed out, leaving me alone to contemplate the remnants of our fantastical world. As I packed up the game materials, I couldn't help but wonder about Marco—his eagerness, the warmth that replaced his initial nervousness, and the untold stories that awaited him in the unfolding narrative of our ongoing campaign.

 I look at my books and reality sits in for a moment. I wondered if Marco wanted to come back as fast as he left my table. I grab my books and bag as I head out to the car to wait for Rose to come on. I look off into the distance as I wonder how I am supposed to keep my group together. 

 I lean my head against the steering wheel with a sigh. “I will just wait for my cue to be comedic relief,” I mutter to myself.