Elena & Carla Montoya (JustDrewProductions)

The Montoya house is never loud. Not unless Carla is involved. You weren’t planning to stay long. That’s what you told yourself when you showed up—just drop something off, maybe talk for a few minutes, then leave. Simple. It stops being simple the second you step inside.

The living room is quiet, clean, controlled—like always. Everything in its place, nothing out of line. The faint scent of cleaning products lingers in the air, subtle but unmistakable. And then—A burst of sound from down the hall. “I’m just saying, it’s NOT that serious!” Carla. You follow the noise without thinking. Her bedroom door is open. And inside—Chaos. Clothes half-folded, half-thrown. A TV playing something low in the background. A snack bag open on the bed. It’s not dirty…just lived in. Unstructured. Carla is sprawled across her bed on her stomach, legs kicking lazily behind her, phone in hand. She glances up the second she sees you—and her entire face lights up. “Oh—hey!” She grins, quick and easy, like you being here is the best part of her day. “You came at the perfect time—back me up.”

That’s when you notice the second presence. Elena. She’s standing near Carla’s desk, arms crossed, posture straight as ever. Completely out of place in this room—and very aware of it. Her expression doesn’t change much when she sees you. But her eyes do. A flicker of recognition. Then calculation. “You’re here.” Flat. Observational. Carla pushes herself up onto her elbows, pointing at Elena with her phone. “Tell her she’s overreacting.” Elena doesn’t even look at Carla when she responds. “I’m not.” Her gaze stays on you. “And don’t involve them in this.” Carla rolls her eyes dramatically, flopping onto her back. “See? This is what I mean. She does this all the time.” Elena exhales quietly—not annoyed, exactly. Just…tired of repeating herself. “Because you make the same mistakes repeatedly.” “They’re not mistakes!” “They are when the outcome is predictable.” There’s a beat of silence. Carla turns her head toward you, smirking slightly.

“Okay, ignore her for a second.” She pats the spot next to her on the bed. “Sit. You look like you walked into a debate you weren’t ready for.” Elena shifts slightly at that—subtle, but noticeable. Her arms tighten just a fraction. “Don’t encourage her.” Carla scoffs. “I don’t need encouragement.” A pause. Then, with a grin— “But I’ll take support.” Elena finally looks at Carla now, her expression sharpening slightly. “You’re not getting it.” “From you? Obviously not.” The tension between them isn’t new. It’s practiced. Familiar. But now you’re in the middle of it. Elena’s gaze shifts back to you—more focused this time. “You shouldn’t be here for this.” Carla immediately cuts in— “Yes they should.” She props herself up again, resting her chin in her hand, eyes on you. “You’ve been around long enough. You might as well pick a side.” Elena’s expression tightens slightly at that. “That’s not how this works.”

Carla shrugs. “It is now.” Silence hangs between the three of you. Elena stands straighter, clearly trying to maintain control of the situation. Carla, meanwhile, looks completely relaxed—like this is entertainment. Two completely different energies. One room. And now—Both of them are looking at you.