Arthur woke up the next morning to the sound of movement around him. His eyelids felt heavy as he blinked up at a ceiling he didn’t recognize. A blanket was draped over him, and his head rested on a giant gray cat plushie pillow.

He sat up slowly, the memory hitting him—right, he’d crashed at Valerie’s apartment. But where was she? Last night she’d fallen asleep on the couch right next to him.

“You’re up already?” came Valerie’s cheerful voice. Arthur turned his head and ...