Struck by Lightning

The story unfolds primarily on a suburban high school campus and its surrounding life. It also follows Carson's home environment, including his mother's home and his grandmother's assisted-living facility, as his ambitions collide with family tensions. The narrative tracks how these places anchor the events—school life, home, and the prospect of Northwestern University—together.

🎯 Ambition

Carson's drive to shape his own story drives much of the drama. He pursues Northwestern University to become an editor for The New Yorker, imagining a future defined by literary influence. His plan relies on gathering peers to contribute to a school-run literary magazine, but success depends on avoiding exposure and failure. The narrative frames ambition as both motivation and vulnerability.

🗝️ Secrets

A network of secrets crowds the school, driving manipulation and fear. Carson builds a blackmail-fueled campaign to secure contributions to the literary magazine, turning peers into co-conspirators. Revelations—romantic trysts and personal betrayals—become weapons to pressure others into writing. The secrets form the backbone of the plot and its consequences.

🕊️ Mortality

Carson is struck by lightning and dies in a sudden, devastating twist. The funeral brings together former rivals and friends, showing that he left a lasting impression on a school that felt divided by him. The event prompts reflection on legacy, regret, and the influence one life can have on many others.