After the hug my mom and dad started to watch the news on the tv. Apparently, a big storm was coming soon. My parents started to get prepared for the storm, so they were walking all over the house.

It was hard getting their attention when they were working but eventually I did.

"Mom, dad is it ok if I go out alone for a little bit?" my parents then looked at me as if I was crazy. Their eyes were wide, and I could tell they were thinking about how I could ask such a ridiculous question.

"Sweetie, you know how we feel about you going out alone." my mom says.

"Ya, plus there is a big storm coming. We would be crazy if we let you out in this weather." my dad adds.

This was it; it was now or never if I wanted to find out the truth. So, I said what popped into my mind.

"Ok but I have some homework to work on, so is it ok if I do it upstairs in my room?"

"Of course, sweetie and if you need anything to drink don't be afraid to come down to the kitchen for some water." my mom says with a smile on her face.

I then grabbed my backpack and I started to walk upstairs but I stopped at the stairwell.

"And by the way I would prefer to be left alone so I can concentrate."

"Ok sweetie just come down every once in a while, just so we can know that you're ok. And maybe later all of us can play a board game or something." my dad says.

"Sure, we can do that sometime"

"Have fun sweetie! We love you!"

"I love you two!" I shout as I walk up the stairs.

I then went into my room, and I closed the door. I then start to start to sort through the drawers looking for stuff. I grabbed a flashlight and a water bottle that was on a table next to my bed. I then grab my backpack, and I lift it up and I pour all the contents of it onto my bed.

I started to pack up the water bottle and the flashlight into my backpack, the whole time I was hyperventilating. I knew that once I started my plan that there was no going back, I would have to follow it through to the end.

After I packed everything, I needed, I opened the window to my room. But before I could do anything my phone in my room rang. I then went to my phone, and I picked it up.

"Hello?"

"Cass this is Fritz. I talked to my dad, and he said there is no way he is letting me leave the house alone in my condition."

Fritz's dad has done everything for Fritz once the incident happened. When Fritz went blind, he did everything for him including giving him rides to wherever he needed to go.

"Why don't you ask him to give you a ride to the library?"

"I tried that, but he said he can't because of the storm that's coming. Can you come by my house and help me?"

"Sure, I will be on my way."

I then hung up the phone and I went back to the window. I took one last look at my room then I put one foot out of the window, and I climbed out. My house is a two-story house so getting down would be difficult.

I started to scan around my house for anything that I could climb on or at the very least break my fall. Then my eyes fell on a tree that was right next to my house. I took a deep breath, then I jumped onto the pine tree. At that moment I almost passed out, but I opened my eyes and I started to calm down.

After climbing down from the tree, I took one last look at my house. The very same house that held my parents, the same parents that if they knew what I was doing then they would have a heart attack. But I have no choice. I knew that there was no way they were letting me out of that house tonight. I already asked them if I could go out, but they said no. I know if I don't do this then the dreams are going to get worse, and more people are going to go missing.

Even though I told my parents I wanted to be left alone I know they will eventually find out I'm not there. They will start to wonder why I haven't come down from my room in a while. Then they will check my room, and if they don't pass out from the stroke, they will call the police. I knew doing this will hurt them, but I have to. No matter how much it is killing me inside.

I walked for about 20 minutes, but I eventually made it to Fritz's house. I knocked on the door and after about a minute Fritz's dad came to the door.

Fritz's dad has the same red hair as Fritzs, he is in his early 40's but his hair is more gray than other parents his age. All the worrying of having to take care of Fritz has done a number on him. Since Fritz is blind all the extra attention, the therapy has really worn him down. But Fritz's dad never stopped, he just kept going on for the sake of his little boy.

"Hi Fritz's dad, how are you today!"

"Hello Cass! What a surprise! Come on in, Fritz is in his room!" Fritz dad says as he stepped out of the way to let me inside.

I walked into the house, and I looked around. Fritz's house was nice with red walls, and it had a bunch of pictures hanging up around it. There was also a drawing of a pirate ship with a stickman version of Fritz standing on the deck on the fridge. Fritz's dad kept that picture up all these years, I guess he just doesn't want to let go of the memories of happier times.

"So, Cass are your parents around? I know our parents have been very protective since-" Fritz's dad trailed off before he could finish. After he said that sentence his face stiffened and it looked like any moment he would cry. I decide to try to change the subject back to me.

"They decided to start letting me do things on my own more often. They think it's about time to move on for a fresh start." I am trying my best to sound truthful. If Fritz's dad found out he would call my parents and they would be watching me more than they already are, and I would never have a chance at a normal life.

"That's very strong of them. I don't know if I could ever start doing that with my Fritz. I want to help him so much." Fritz's dad tried to compose himself and he tried his best to smile.

"You might not want to stay too long since the storm is coming. Anyway, let me know if you need anything."

I walked into Fritz's room, and I saw Fritz sitting on his bed.

"Hi Fritz!"

"Cass you're here!"

"Of course. Anyway, my parents wouldn't let me go out alone, so I had to sneak out of my house."

I then walk closer to Fritz, and I sit down in a chair next to his bed.

"Do you think your parents will find out?"

"Yes, but there is no time for that, we have to go now"

"But my dad said I couldn't go out. I hoped maybe me, and you could think of something.

"Maybe we could sneak you out?"

"But my room doesn't have any windows, we would have to sneak past my dad." Fritz's room didn't have windows like my room, plus his house was smaller than mine with an open design and it only had one story.

"I can distract him, and I can meet you outside."

"Ok Cass"

"And Fritz, are you sure you want to do this? You're doing an awful lot for me, and I don't know how I can pay you back." It was true. Fritz and all my friends were risking everything to try to help me. If William has really returned, then we are going to be in an awful lot of danger.

"Cass, you have been my friend since preschool. Of course, I will help you. And if William is really back then we have to know."

"Thank you so much! You're a great friend!" I then hugged Fritz. The hug lasted for about a minute. Hugging him felt so good. We hugged a lot when we were kids, but this hug felt different.

I then backed away a little bit embarrassed.

"So are you ready"

"Yes"

I stepped out of Fritz's room, and I walked into the living room where Fritz's dad is.

"Hi Cass, do you need anything?"

"I was actually hoping I could borrow an umbrella in case it rains on the way home."

"No problem, Cass I have one in my room." I then followed Fritz's dad into his room. Fritz's dad walked towards a closet, and he started to move things around while trying to find the umbrella.

While Fritz's dad did that I was looking at the front door trying to see when Fritz would make it out.

After about two minutes I see Fritz walk out of his room and he quietly opens his front door, and he walks outside closing the door behind him.

"Here Cass I found one" Fritz dad says while he hands me the umbrella.

"Are you sure this isn't too much trouble"

"Of course, not Cass, it's no trouble at all! You and Fritz are such close friends that you are practically my daughter as well. I don't mind letting you borrow it at all!"

"Thanks so much! Bye Fritz's dad and I hope you have a great night!"

"You to Cass!" Fritz's dad is so nice it is tearing me up so much to have to lie to him. After this is done even if it takes my whole life, I will make it up to everyone.

I then walk outside, and I join Fritz.

"Great job Cass! Let's go!"

We then start a long walk towards the library.

But there was one thing that I didn't know.

There was something watching us


Author's Notes:

A storm is approaching! Both literally and figuratively! Next up Cass and Fritz are on their way to the library, but what could be lurking in the shadows ready to pounce on them? And is that a hug I see, what could that mean?

And for a question for all of you, what is your favorite Animatronic and why? Mine is Foxy.