Inside, the air pulsed with electronic jingles and bursts of victory cheers. Everyone split off in search of their own version of fun. Madeline zeroed in on an impossibly cute plush toy trapped inside a claw machine and swore she’d win it for Amelia. Vivian planted herself beside her, cheering every drop of the claw, while Lucille drifted toward the fishing game, eyes blazing with competitive fire.

Calvin and Cecilia wandered through the arcade, their shoulders nearly brushing. “So, what are you in the mood to play?” Calvin asked, nodding toward the chaos of flashing lights.

Cecilia scanned the rows, then pointed to a line of coin-pusher machines. “That one,” she decided, neon reflections dancing in her eyes.

Luck handed them two open seats. Calvin slid onto the stool beside her and fed the first gleaming token into the slot.

The rules were simple: drop a token, nudge the pile. Whatever slid over the edge was yours.

Of course, the house usually kept most of its treasure. Arcades weren’t built to lose money.

Cecilia leaned forward, fully absorbed, discussing strategy with Calvin between button presses.