BOOM! Thunderclap after thunderclap rolled in.
I was currently trapped on the sofa in my browsing position. It was ridiculous, but I was too scared to move from the parlor to the dark hallway down to my room. Best if I just stayed here and waited for the storm to pass...
But that was impossible, with Mother Nature striking down lightning too. And the thunder wouldn't quit. I started to whimper, and tears threatened to pour down like the rain outside.
BAM! Another thunderclap. That was it. I began to cry.
I heard Phil open his door and stumble down the hallway groggily. "Dan?" he said, his voice husky from sleep. I sobbed and sniffled, and Phil said "Oh, Dan," as he sat down with me.
"Don't be scared," he reassured, picking me up and holding me in his lap. I sniffed and pushed my head into Phil's chest, listening to his heartbeat.
Finally, I felt myself relax, and my muscles were not as tense. I let myself fold into Phil, cuddle him harder. I felt Phil cuddle back, squeezing me tight.
That's when war erupted.
"NO!" I squealed. "YOU TICKLE ME, I TICKLE BACK!"
Phil couldn't stop giggling and tickling my stomach, but he squeaked and thrashed his legs.
I took Phil's weak point to climb on top of him into a straddle position. Phil slowed his bellowing laughter into soft giggles, and took my hand in his. Then he leaned up slowly to press a kiss to my lips. I couldn't help it, I started giggling, and then Phil pulled away too, to laugh.
And instead of leaving me to fend for myself, Phil helped me to climb out of my anxiety.
It wasn't until 11 that we woke up together, in Phil's bed. I was protected in his arms, and he had fallen asleep with a smile. He helped me, that's all he could ever ask for.
