In a shocking turn of events, the small town of Arcadia Bay is reeling from the latest installment of the popular gaming franchise "Life is Strange." Local authorities have advised residents to exercise extreme caution when befriending Max Caulfield, the game's protagonist, as she seems to have an uncanny ability to attract misfortune to those around her. Witnesses report a dramatic increase in "accidental" deaths and unexplained disappearances within the community, coinciding with Max's return after a ten-year absence. "It's like she walks into a room and suddenly the doom meter spikes," remarked one concerned resident. "I was just trying to be her friend, and next thing I know, my cat is missing and my house is on fire!" Philosophers and casual gamers are left scratching their heads as they ponder Max's apparently deadly aura. Some theorists postulate that her time-bending abilities, which players have come to cherish, might be linked to her alarming tendency to cause chaos. "Maybe her power to rewind time is a metaphor for how she keeps getting her friends into impossible situations," explained a local game analyst. The police have formed a "Friendwatch Unit" dedicated to monitoring social gatherings where Max is expected to show up. Officers are reportedly being trained in crisis intervention protocols, which include establishing safe zones for potential friends of the infamous time traveler. Meanwhile, Max herself seems blissfully unaware of the chaos trailing in her wake. "I'm just excited to reconnect and solve some mysteries!" she said during a recent livestream, oblivious to the rising number of missing persons reports filed in Arcadia Bay since her return. In an effort to mitigate the impending social crisis, local businesses are implementing a "Friendship-Free Zone" around known hangouts. Cafés are encouraging patrons to sip their lattes solo as a precaution, and community centers are hosting "Be Your Own Friend" workshops to empower citizens to self-rely without the dangers posed by alliances with our dearly departed protagonist. Ironically, Max's unfortunate history with friendship has created a unique marketing opportunity for the game developers. They are reportedly working on a spin-off called “Life is Strange: Solo Survival,” which will feature players navigating life without the risks associated with making friends—especially if one’s name happens to be Max Caulfield. As residents suit up for a friendship-free future, experts urge caution when dealing with anyone who exhibits time-bending tendencies. After all, in the world of Life is Strange, it's not just the mysteries that can be deadly—it's the company you keep.