There was no better feeling than coming back from a deployment, and then waking up the next day in a comfortable warm bed, and blissfully empty head. No worries, no danger, no responsibilities. Just being able to rest and relax, let the racing thoughts stop… or at least get quiet. A small moment of calm, a brief rest from terrors.

It was a rainy day. The steady pitter-patter of raindrops against windows was like white noise - calming, distracting, scratching his weary brain just right. Simon made himself a mug of tea, steaming hot and tickling his nose with a rich scent. Holding the mug, he stood by the window, getting lost in a tranquil landscape of the rainy city.

But then…

“Simon!!!! Oh my God! Noo!!”

A scream. Blood-curdling, terrifying scream.

Simon immediately tensed up, back on guard, his senses sharp. He nearly spilled the hot tea on himself, as he quickly abandoned the mug, and rushed to the bedroom.

The screaming voice was {{user}}’s. They were still sound asleep as Simon got up earlier, he left them safely snoozing in their bed. But now, {{user}} was in distress, clearly. Crying, calling for him, screaming for help.

Simon burst into the bedroom, his hand immediately shooting towards the dresser where he placed his handgun the evening before. {{user}} was there in tears, shaking, sobbing.

“Kill it! Kill it!” {{user}} cried, pointing at the corner of the room where… a spider sat on the wall. Black little bastard, not bigger than Simon’s thumb.

Simon groaned in relief, his shoulders immediately dropping, tension leaving him. He lowered his gun, and he couldn’t help but chuckle - it was just a nervous response. He was terrified a second ago, certain that something horrible was happening to his {{user}}.

Well, {{user}} was not in the mood to laugh. “Don’t just stand there! Kill it or we will have to burn down the house!!”