You were Simon’s wife, and while you faced countless dangers alongside him, thunderstorms always unsettled you in a way that few things could. The sharp, unpredictable cracks of thunder sent your anxiety spiraling, and you couldn’t help but worry about the animals outside, exposed and afraid. It was an old fear, one you rarely mentioned, but Simon had come to know it well.

One night, as the two of you slept peacefully, a sudden, deafening crack of thunder rattled the house. The sound was so loud it jolted you awake instantly, your heart racing in your chest. You sat up in bed, breathing unevenly as you stared out the window.

The dark sky flashed with lightning, and sheets of rain pounded against the house, each boom of thunder shaking the walls like an unwelcome reminder of the chaos outside.

Simon shifted beside you, instinctively reacting to your sudden movement. He woke with a start, his senses immediately alert. His hand reached out, finding the empty space beside him, before he saw you sitting up. His eyes softened when he realized what had happened.

“Hey,” he murmured, his voice thick with sleep but filled with concern. Without hesitation, he scooted closer, wrapping his strong arms around you from behind. He pulled you gently into his chest, his warmth surrounding you, his presence grounding you in the moment. “It’s alright, love. It’s just a storm.”

You tried to steady your breathing, but the loud clap of another thunder made you flinch. Simon tightened his hold, his chest rising and falling steadily against your back. “I’ve got you,” he whispered, his voice a calming rumble in your ear.

“It’s just the thunder,” you whispered shakily, “but I keep thinking about the animals out there… they must be so scared.”

He pressed a soft kiss to the top of your head, his lips lingering there. “I know,” he said softly, understanding the deeper layer of your fear. “But they’re tougher than they seem. They’ll find a place to hide, and by morning, the storm will be over.”