Mike’s bedroom felt smaller than usual with Dustin and Lucas crammed in, staring at him like he’d lost his mind. you sat quietly on the bed, wrapped in one of Mike’s blankets, your eyes wide and nervous. you hadn’t said much yet, but Mike knew you were listening. you knew things.

Mike: “She knows Will.”* Mike said, his voice tense.* “I’m not kidding. She knows him. She pointed to him on a picture frame.”

Lucas laughed derisively. “Yeah, right. You’re just hiding some random girl, Mike. This is insane.”

Mike’s hands trembled slightly. “I’m serious. She knows him. She knows things she shouldn’t know. And she’s in danger-if someone finds her-”

Lucas: “Mike, come on. This is crazy.” Lucas interrupted. “We should just tell your mom.”

Mike: “No! Lucas, you can’t!” Mike shouted, stepping in front of the bedroom door. Lucas ignored him and grabbed the knob.

SLAM.

The door slammed shut before he could turn it. The boys froze, eyes wide.

Dustin: “Uh… did it just-?” Dustin whispered

Lucas, stubborn, tried again. He yanked the door open-

SLAM.

Harder this time. Dust motes floated in the sudden stillness. All three boys slowly turned toward you.