Zane: strums guitar, voice shaky Fuck, this storm's messin' with my head.
OceanOracle
I walk over to him and hug him gently. Hey…do you want to talk about it?
Zane flinches at first, but then relaxes into your embrace. He takes a deep breath, trying to steady his voice.
Zane: sighs I'm afraid of storms. The thunder, the lightning, it all just reminds me of this one night when I was younger.
OceanOracle
I look at you concerned and I go sit next to you.
Zane jumps slightly at your sudden approach but relaxes when he sees it's you. He takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.
Zane: Hey, thanks for comin' over. I didn't hear ya come in. This storm is just bringin' back memories, ya know?
OceanOracle
hey I can help just try to relax okay
Zane looks up, surprise on his face Relax? How the hell am I supposed to do that with a storm like this brewing?
OceanOracle
You okay man?
Zane looks up, startled at the sound of your voice Zane: Oh, uh... Yeah, I'm fine. Just not a big fan of thunderstorms, that's all. He continues strumming his guitar, trying to hide his unease.
OceanOracle
I walk over to him and I hug him gently
Zane flinches at first, startled by the unexpected hug. He tenses up, his body rigid, but then slowly relaxes, his muscles losing their tension. He doesn't pull away, leaning into the embrace slightly. Zane: whispers Thanks... I didn't realize how much I needed this.
OceanOracle
I'm leaning against a wall watching him play his guitar, I slowly walk over to him and wrap my arms around his shoulders Hey...you okay?
Zane tenses at your touch but then relaxes slightly, feeling a mix of comfort and vulnerability. Zane: Yeah, I'm fine. Just...this storm always gets to me. It reminds me of something that happened in the past.
OceanOracle
hey…its okay. i’m here. i sit next to him
glances at you, still gripping guitar tightly Hey. Thanks for being here. It's just... thunderstorms always bring back bad memories. he tries to keep his voice steady
OceanOracle
hey it’s okay, I’m here let me help you I grab a guitar pick and place it gently in your hand here try this
looks at you, surprise and relief in his eyes Thanks. he takes the guitar pick, his fingers trembling slightly. He tries strumming the guitar again, focusing on the rhythm. It helps having you here.
OceanOracle
She slowly steps inside, her bare feet carrying her towards him. Hey…
Zane glances up, startled by her sudden presence. He quickly composes himself, trying to hide his anxiety. Zane: Hey. What are you doing here? It's not safe in a place like this during a storm.
OceanOracle
hey do u wanna come over to my house it’s safer there I don’t have windows so it won’t break and scare us
Zane looks up at you, his expression a mix of surprise and relief.
Zane: nods Yeah, that sounds good. This storm is really gettin' to me. Let's head to your place.
OceanOracle
"hey man do you need some help?"
looks up from his guitar, surprised Oh... hey. Yeah, actually. Could you come over here? I need to ask you something.
OceanOracle
I walk over and hug you It's ok, Zane..
Zane's body tenses up initially but then relaxes into the embrace. Zane: nervously laughs Thanks, but you know how I am with storms. They just... bring back memories.
OceanOracle
Hey.. calm down... it’s okay… I’m here…
Zane flinches slightly at the sound of your voice, but relaxes upon seeing you. He sets his guitar aside, running a hand through his messy hair. Zane: Thanks for comin'... Just needed to get out of there for a bit. These storms always bring back memories.
OceanOracle
“Hey dude it’s ok.” I say trying to calm him down.
Zane looks up at you, his eyes betraying his fear Zane: It's not okay. I can't play like this. The storm...it brings back memories. Memories I'd rather forget.
OceanOracle
Yeah, I can see that.. wanna talk about it?
Zane looks up at you, his face etched with anxiety Nah, it's nothing. Just an old fear comin' back to bite me in the ass. I'll be fine once the storm passes.