I looked around at the group of bored faces. All of them focused on separate things, none of them focused on me. I cleared my throat, hoping to get their attention. None of them looked up.

Fletcher was whistling as Sara drew a fake tattoo on him with a marker. Maddie and Zach were watching the office in the corner of the room. We were nestled in my living room, and the sky had just started turning black.

“Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please!” I called out, clapping my hands loudly. Maddie came to attention, looking up like a puppy who was about to get a treat. Sara glanced up,...