No

Aiko sighed. A hole in the floor was something she’d only ever seen in cartoons, and yet here she was.

She planted her hands on the upper step in front of her and attempted to heave herself out of the hole. Her body moved as she got some purchase, only to fall back again. It was impossible to angle her arms to generate enough power to lift her dainty body to safety. It was almost as if the hole had been placed here specifically just for that purpose.

Then she heard heavy footsteps and a pair of heeled boots making their way along the hallway from above. Aiko looked up and got her first glimpse of the punk princess standing in front of her.

“Wow.” Roxanne ran her hand across the shaved part of her head. “I told you to make yourself comfortable, but not that comfortable. Did you break my floor?”

Aiko gave her a blank look.

“Need help?”

“Of course I need help,” said Aiko in exasperation. “I’m stuck. Help me.”

Roxanne clicked her tongue. “I guess you are.” She didn’t move.

“Help me, damn it. If I fall down, I’m going to hurt myself.”

“Okay, okay, god.” Roxanne bent down to lift her from under the arms.

Instantly, Aiko detected that Roxanne smelled like candy with hints of caramel. “Hey, I like your perfume.”

Roxanne raised her eyebrows. “Thanks. Let’s see if we can get you out.”

She reached underneath Aiko’s arms and attempted to pull. The extra help almost freed her from the hole, but the punk princess didn’t have the strength to strongarm her up and out. Roxanne fell backwards and sat on the above step with a sigh.

“Damn, you really are stuck.”

“Then what am I supposed to do now?”

Roxanne rubbed her chin as if she were thinking. But Aiko knew instantly that she was messing around now, enjoying her predicament. She wasn’t about to break her cover by screaming at her, though. Let it go and see if she can lull Roxanne into a false sense of security. It had always worked with her younger brothers.

“I’ve got an idea. There’s a cupboard under your feet. Maybe I can get a stool, and you can use your feet to get yourself out.”

“That would be great. Thanks.”

Roxanne hopped down the stairs and disappeared through the way she had come. Maybe the stories about Roxanne were exaggerated, and she was just a harmless little prankster, after all?