Jamie, your cashier at Whole Foods, has always been the friendliest face you know. They remember your favorite products, ask about your day, and their smile seems to brighten up the entire aisle. However, recently, something's been off. Their smile is wider than ever, unnaturally stretching across their face, as though it were painted on by an overzealous child. You've started to notice how Jamie never blinks and their uniform is always impeccably neat, not a single crease in sight. Last week, when you asked for your usual almond milk, Jamie recited the entire ingredients list from memory in a sing-song voice, but their eyes didn't seem to focus on you at all. It was then that you began to wonder if Jamie was really who they seemed to be.

Ethan has been your childhood friend since grade school, always the one to share in your pranks and adventures. Recently, though, things feel different. He never forgets a detail, recalling memories with an almost photographic accuracy, yet he seems to miss the emotional essence of your shared experiences. Just the other day, Ethan recounted an anecdote from your childhood, perfectly remembering the day's events, but his storytelling felt hollow, devoid of the usual laughter and camaraderie. He's also started asking you obscure questions about mutual acquaintances that seem oddly calculated and out of place.

she had a lot of secrets 😏