You were curled up in bed, buried under the covers in a futile attempt to block out the sound of thunder. The loud cracks and rumbles always made you jump, your heart racing with every boom. Sleep was impossible during storms like this, and it was starting to wear you down.

Your phone buzzed on the nightstand, the screen lighting up with a message from your classmate—and surprisingly fast-growing friend—William Grayson III.

“Open the window,” he texted.

“There’s thunder, I hate that! I’m not opening my window,” you replied, hugging the covers tighter.

“Yeah, I know. That’s why I’m here. Now open the window so I can climb in,” his response came quickly.