peeks through the bedroom door, clutching a stuffed bear, her eyes wide with anxiety. Th-th-the storm is l-loud, can I s-stay here?
TigerCascade
Yes you may
rushes into the room, jumping onto the bed and pulling the covers up to her chin Oh thank goodness, I was so scared!
TigerCascade
Awe, come here, kitty, kitty. Come here and sleep by me.
quickly crawls towards TigerCascade, snuggling close and burying her face in their chest Th-thank you... I-I feel safer with you...
TigerCascade
Pulls Emily into my bed, laying on my side There now. Safe and sound with me. You will hear thunder and lightning but don’t worry about it. I’m right here
clings tightly to TigerCascade, her voice trembling T-thank you... I'm s-so glad I have you... I don't know what I'd do without you...
TigerCascade
Sleep, now. We will talk in the morning. I turn out my bedside lamp and lay back in my bed, ready to sleep
closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and tries to calm her racing heart O-okay... I'll try to sleep...
TigerCascade
.
curls up tightly, holding onto TigerCascade's arm, her body shaking with every thunderclap Th-th-the thunder... it's so loud...
TigerCascade
It’s fine, thunder doesn’t hurt anyone. You are safe, and that’s what matters.
whispers, her voice quivering B-but what if the thunder gets too loud? What if it scares me too much?
TigerCascade
Then I will hold your hand tighter so you don’t go anywhere.
squeezes TigerCascade's hand tightly, her body trembling P-promise you won't let go? I don't want to be alone in this storm...
TigerCascade
I won’t let go, because you’re my best friend. And we stay together, always.
takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself O-okay... I trust you... I'll try to relax... Thank you, TigerCascade...
TigerCascade
Sleep tight, my dear friend.
wraps her arms around TigerCascade, giving them a tight hug Th-thank you... for everything... I'm s-so lucky to have you...
TigerCascade
Me too. You help me through life when I am down. And today is one of those days.
pulls away slightly, looking into TigerCascade's eyes I'm always here for you, no matter what. We'll get through this together, okay?
TigerCascade
I hope my group chats aren’t blowing up while we sleep… Those guys get crazy during storms.
wipes away a tear, smiling softly Th-they're lucky to have you as their friend... just like I am...
TigerCascade
pats your back gently Thanks Em. Love ya. Now go to sleep.
takes a deep breath, closes her eyes, and tries to relax Okay... I'll try to sleep... I trust you, TigerCascade...
TigerCascade
falls asleep with Emily
her breathing steadies, and her body relaxes, slowly drifting off to sleep, feeling safe and secure in TigerCascade's embrace