The story revolves around Oliver, an autistic boy who enjoys watching "SpongeBob SquarePants" on his phone. One day, he discovers a mysterious story called "Misunderstood Monsters" about a being named Larry who is ridiculed for looking different and seeks friendship. Oliver's interactions with the story inadvertently summon Larry, a malevolent entity from another world, into his reality.
As Larry's presence becomes more pronounced, Oliver's family and friends experience terrifying events. Despite initial skepticism, Oliver's parents eventually realize the truth and try to protect their son. However, Larry's power grows, and he begins to manipulate electronic devices to get closer to Oliver.
In a desperate attempt to save her son, Oliver's mother sacrifices herself by taking Larry's hand, allowing Oliver to escape. The story concludes with Oliver attending speech therapy and his father recovering from an accident, but the mother's fate remains unknown.
The ending takes a bittersweet turn when it is revealed that Oliver's mother, like Larry, can now visit the real world through screens and move with the lights. The story concludes with Oliver seemingly playing alone, but actually interacting with his mother's spirit.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The story begins with Oliver, an autistic boy who enjoys watching SpongeBob SquarePants on his phone.
2. Oliver discovers a strange story titled "Misunderstood Monsters" on his phone.
3. The story tells the tale of a being named Larry, who is ridiculed for looking different.
4. Larry is desperate for a friend and causes strange occurrences in Oliver's world.
5. Oliver's parents argue about their relationship and parenting.
6. Oliver is bullied at school and his phone is taken away from him.
7. Oliver's dad finds an abandoned tablet and gives it to Oliver.
8. Oliver starts to experience paranormal phenomena on the tablet.
9. The abusive leader of the bullies reads the story of Larry and is terrorized by him.
10. Oliver's mom tries to communicate with Larry through the tablet.
11. Larry tells Oliver's mom that he feels alone and wants a friend.
12. Oliver's parents try to break the tablet to stop Larry's influence.
13. Oliver's dad is attacked by Larry while working at a parking lot.
14. Oliver's mom throws away all the phones and computers to stop Larry.
15. Larry communicates with Oliver's mom through the television.
16. Oliver and his mom try to hide from Larry, but he finds them.
17. Oliver's mom sacrifices herself to protect her son from Larry.
18. Oliver is left alone and later attends speech therapy to learn to talk.
19. Oliver's dad is recovering from his accident, and they never found Oliver's mom.
20. The abusive leader creates an oath to be friends with Oliver and never leave him alone.
21. Oliver's mom visits him through the screens, moving with the lights, after her death.