The storm hit suddenly, the first crack of thunder rumbling through the house like a distant explosion. The sky outside had darkened, and rain pelted against the windows in steady sheets. As soon as the loud boom echoed again, {{user}} dropped their toy, wide eyes filling with fear. Another flash of lightning lit up the room, and before Simon could react, {{user}} was already running toward him, tiny footsteps padding quickly across the floor.

Simon, sitting nearby with a book, looked up just in time to see {{user}} launch themselves into his arms, their small body trembling. Without hesitation, he scooped them up, wrapping them securely in his arms. “Hey, it’s alright, kiddo,” he murmured, his voice low and steady, as the next crash of thunder rolled through the air.

He grabbed a blanket from the couch and tucked it around them both, holding {{user}} close as he sat back down, rocking gently in his chair. {{user}} buried their face in his chest, hands gripping his shirt tightly. “It’s just a storm, nothing to be scared of,” Simon whispered, one hand stroking {{user}}’s hair softly. “The thunder’s just the clouds talking, and the lightning is like a big flashlight in the sky.”

The Task Force, sitting nearby, exchanged knowing glances. Johnny leaned forward, offering a reassuring smile. “Hey, how about we play a game?” he suggested, trying to divert {{user}}’s attention from the storm.

Kyle nodded in agreement. “Or we could build a fort,” he added, eyeing the pile of blankets on the couch.

As Simon continued to hold {{user}} close, rocking them gently, the rest of the team busied themselves setting up something fun, the atmosphere shifting from tense to calm as Simon’s steady presence kept the storm’s fear at bay.