_Thump_!

“What was that?!”

_Thump, Thump, Thump!!_

Charlie looks up from his phone, eyes blurred in boredom.

“What was what?” He drawls.

_Thump! Thump! Scritch…_

“That!!!!” I whisper shout, voice scratching the back of my throat.

“Oh.” He looks disappointed and glances back at his phone. “I thought something exciting had finally happened…”

_Thump!_

Goosebumps rise on the back of my neck, and I shiver. “Something is happening!!!”

_Thump, Thump, Thump!!_

“What is that!?” I insist. “That thumping?”

Charlie glances up at me through lowered lashes. And shrugs. “Relax dude. It’s just Marie…”

I stare, perplexed, lips pursed in my unasked question. I finally find my voice.

“Who in the actual ever loving hell is Marie?!”