| ANDRE’S POV |

The rain tapped a steady rhythm against my window, matching the thumping in my chest. My room was dark, just the way I needed it. Opposite my window, my friend’s mom, Mrs. Lisa, had her window glowing like a private movie screen made just for me.

I had been crushing on her for as long as I could remember, even before her divorce last year, and with each passing day, I found myself watching her more, feeling bolder, unable to look away.

I didn’t bother turning on my ...