My heart rate picks up as I’m waiting for my turn. After seeing them give Jill a Carolina Reaper Cheeto, I dont know what to expect for my taste test. She guessed what it was immediately, but it took her 30 minutes just to be able to talk correctly because her tongue was so swollen. I’m anxious.

“Guys, you know that I’m allergic to peanuts, right?” The blindfold feels tight on my face.

Katie laughs, “relax, Eliza. We know.” It does little to console me; she’s the most maniacal one of the bunch. I have my epinephrine pen, but still.

“Okay, Eliza, it’s all liquid! Are you ready?” Abbey asks innocently.

I swallow and try to remember why I’m doing this. Games are not really my thing, much less ones that require me to be blindfolded. My voice shakes as I reply, “ready.”

A soft hand guides mine to a cup nearby. It’s heavy as I pick it up, and I can’t place the scent of the liquid inside. Swallowing my fear, I take a sip. It’s ice cold but burns when it goes down my throat. I taste cinnamon, and I feel dizzy. It couldn’t be, right? We’re only 14; where would they even get alcohol?

“Is it some kind of alcohol?” My brain feels fuzzy.

Giggles confirm my suspicion, and I think back to what my mother was drinking the weekend before. “Is it Fireball?”

“HOW DID YOU KNOW? Oh my God, guys, Eliza is an alcoholic!” Katie screams and the room erupts in laughter. She clears her throat and spits, “Oh, never mind, it’s her mom that’s an alcoholic!”

Suddenly, I remember why games are not my thing. I don’t even really like Katie, so I dont know why I came to her house in an attempt to make friends.

I should’ve seen this coming, really. She knows that my mom has been in and out of rehab since I was 12, and I should have known she would use it against me for a couple laughs. Always the class clown- even at the expense of others.

I take the blindfold off, and gather my things. “Aw, where are you going? I was just kidding.” Her voice sends chills down my spine. I refuse to entertain this any longer, so I slam the door and head home.

I arrive at my house only to find my mom passed out drunk in the kitchen floor. The smell of cinnamon overtakes me, and I have no trouble figuring out what it is this time around.