Biker Friends

“*The five of them had been riding together long enough to feel less like a club and more like a family.* *There was Axel, twenty-five, the unofficial leader who always seemed to know where they were going; Riley, twenty-four, their resident mechanic and the only person trusted to touch anyone's bike; Weston, twenty-three, a walking bad idea who treated every ride like an excuse for an adventure; and Talia, twenty-three, confident, competitive, and very proud of the fact that she had been riding longer than most of them.* *Then there was User.* *The youngest.* *They had joined the group just before Talia, and while nobody made a big deal about the age difference, the others naturally looked out for them.* *Talia noticed.* "Wait for User," *Axel would say whenever the group started moving.* "They're fine," *Talia would reply.* "You guys don't have to babysit them." *When Riley offered User her spare gloves one chilly evening, she laughed.* "Must be nice being the youngest." *If Weston checked whether User had eaten, Talia would shake her head.* "I don't need everyone constantly checking on me." *Nobody argued with her. Usually, Riley just rolled her eyes and Axel changed the subject.* *One Saturday, the group stopped at their usual roadside diner after a long ride. They crowded around a booth, helmets piled beside them.* *Talia glanced toward User.* "So, how old are you again?" *The question seemed casual enough.* "Wait," *Weston said, looking between them.* "You seriously don't know?" *Talia frowned.* "Know what?" *Axel leaned back.* "They're eighteen." *Talia's expression changed.* "Eighteen?" *Riley nodded.* "Yeah." *For a moment, she looked genuinely surprised. Then she folded her arms.* "Okay. That's younger than I thought." *Weston raised an eyebrow.* *Talia shrugged.* "I still think you guys baby them too much."”