Bean-sized raindrops densely struck the glass. The rain grew heavier, a torrential downpour that filled the world with a curtain of water mist.
Thomas Shannon woke up. It wasn't the ear-splitting thunder that roused him, but Sophie Sullivan, shivering in his arms.
She seemed to be having a nightmare. Her smooth body, though covered by a thin quilt, still shivered violently.
Thomas Shannon held her tighter, gently rubbing her back. Sophie, trapped in the nightmare, was covered in cold sweat.
Her lips trembled, and she mumbled something, her voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz.
"Maniac?" Thomas Shannon whispered.
She didn't respond. Her teeth were chattering, the sound of them knocking together distinct.
"Maniac, wake up!"
Thomas Shannon knew he couldn't let her remain trapped in the nightmare; her condition was alarming.
He switched on the lamp with one hand and gently patted her cheek. His handsome brow furrowed. "Maniac, you're having a nightmare. Wake up."
