Naddie’s bedroom is crammed with sleeping bags, pillows, and food. We have alcohol too, but Naddie banned that back into my bag because she’s worried her mum will find out. The soft glow of fairy lights casts a warm, comforting ambiance as we overtake the entire available space.

We play Monopoly, something we haven’t done in a while. As per all our gaming sessions, the winner’s award is picking a dare for the loser. Due to a previous loss, Max is currently wearing a pink rabbit onesie. Richie has already gone bankrupt and is playing in the corner with Snowball, but the winner is not yet clear.

As the night goes on, Jess keeps drifting away to giggle at her phone. When she messages in the middle of her turn, all rosy cheeks and smiles, we finally address it.

‘Sica, if you don’t put the phone away, we’re disqualifying you,’ Zach says. Part of his frustration comes from the fact that despite not focusing, his sister is winning.

‘Hmm?’ she says, eyes still locked on her screen. Naddie rolls her eyes at me, and even Richie, distracted by Snowball, fixates his gaze on Jess.

Max makes a sudden pounce for her phone. She squeals and grabs at him, but only captures one of the fluffy ears. He pulls away from her. An ugly tearing sound rips through the room. Jess is left dazed with a rabbit ear limp in her hand, while Max chucks the phone over to Zach on the other side of the room.

Zach catches, unlocks, and stares. ‘Ew, why are there so many kissy emojis?’

‘It’s an inside joke,’ Jess answers, but she turns bright red.

‘Hey, he’s telling you how to play. That’s cheating!’

‘Stop invading my privacy!’ Jess stands up. Snatching the phone away, she scratches Zach’s hand. In response, he throws Naddie’s stuffed bear at her. His excellent aim hits her square in the face. She kicks at him.

At that point, Max, Naddie, and I are all yelling at them to stop. Snowball joins in with high-pitched barks, yapping in excitement over this new game.

‘What are you, three years old?’ Naddie tells off once they’re sitting on the opposite sides of the room. Snowball is still yipping away, immune to Richie’s commands.

‘I swear we’re stuck in a time-loop with this lesson, but use your words, not your fists, for goodness sake,’ Naddie continues over the woofs.

The twins both scoff at this suggestion, the action mirrored in their voice and body language. They notice they’re both sitting with arms crossed, head tilted, jaw jutted out, and shuffle into different positions.

‘Well, Snowball is definitely using his words,’ Max jokes. At the sound of his name, Snowball waggles his tail and barks even louder.

‘Richie, please shut him up,’ Naddie begs. ‘Our neighbours are always complaining as is.’

‘I’m trying,’ Richie sighs, then picks up the torn bunny ear. ‘Look, Snowball, distraction,’ he shakes it about.

Snowball lolls his tongue and barks again in excitement. Then he coughs and throws up all over the Monopoly board.

As far as sleepovers go, not our best one.