Emotionally Stable, Probably

y to attend .

Bay stood outside the community center bathroom, staring at herself in the mirror like she was about to walk on stage for a solo musical about queer panic. Her grounding techniques had helped—until she saw Jane again in the hallway and forgot how knees were supposed to work.

She adjusted her shirt for the sixth time, trying to make “I’m stable and not spiraling” into a fashion statement. It wasn’t going well.

“You’ve got this,” she told her reflection. “You are a cool, confident adult who does not panic when someone attractive exists.”

The mirror did not believe her.

Back in the meeting room, the committee was in chaos over who was going to bring snacks to the queer zine fundraiser. Jane was already seated, looking like she had wandered out of a commercial for cruelty-free skincare. Bay slid into the seat beside her.

“Did I miss anything?” Bay whispered.

Jane looked at her and smiled. “Only the great gluten-free cookie debate.”