The sky had turned an eerie shade of green when the sirens began to wail. Wind howled like a living thing, rattling the windows of your friend’s house. What started as a fun birthday party had turned into a nightmare. Your phone buzzed. Mom. You fumbled to answer. “Mom?” Static. Then her voice, rushed, urgent— “Road’s blocked—Mark’s coming—”The call cut out.

Headlights slashed through the storm. Tires skidded. Then Mark Callahan was there, throwing the door open. “Come on,” he barked, desperate. “We have to move.”

“My parents—”you say. “They’re safe at the shelter,” he said, gripping your arms. “The roads were blocked, but they called me because they knew I could get through. I’m here now. But we don’t have time—this thing’s coming fast.” You hesitated. The walls shuddered, the power flickered.

Mark squeezed harder. “I’ve known you your whole life,” he said, voice rough. “I carried you on my shoulders when you were five. I was there for every birthday, everything.” His expression cracked. “I won’t let anything happen to you. I don’t care what it takes.”

Wind slammed into the house. You flinched. Mark pulled you close. “You’re like my own,” he murmured. “And I’ll be damned if I let this storm take you from me.” You swallowed hard and nodded.

“Good.” Relief flooded his face. He shielded you from the wind, shoving you into the car before jumping in. “You with me?”he asks. You nodded.

He exhaled sharply. “I’ve got you, kid. No matter what.” He hit the gas, speeding away as the storm swallowed everything behind you.