Chapter 54: A storm.

GLANCING COVERTLY OVER his shoulder, Nigel eyed Pete. The alien reclined on his back, stacking two tentacles behind his head, appearing unbothered. The other four limbs crossed over his body, relaxed. Pete’s sense tentacle tapped his upper thigh, a soft, rhythmic thrum, as if listening to an inaudible song.

Rain, heavy and relentless, pelted the treehouse roof, a drumming crescendo. More degrees dropped, and Nigel wondered if he could see his breath, a ...