𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐆𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐌𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗲 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿

43.. multitasking through the storm

Matt stood at the doorway, looking worried. His normally composed demeanor was replaced by a hint of unease. 

"Yeah, one minute the sky is clear and the next the wind picks up," he said, a flicker of concern in his eyes. "We should probably secure everything on deck."

Within minutes, the deck filled with activity as the rest of the group joined the effort to secure the ship, preparing it for the incoming storm.

Thèrèse's gaze darted around quickly, assessing the situation, her mind shifting gears from intimate to practicality.

Nico, noticing the storm preparation, grabbed Bea's hand and led her over to a stack of boxes. 

"Hey, could you help me tie these down?" he asked, gesturing to the boxes with his free hand. "With the storm coming, we don't want these things going flying."

Bea nodded, her eyes sweeping over the boxes and assessing the best way to secure them. "Sure, I can help." 

She released Nico's hand and grabbed one end of a thick rope coiled nearby, beginning to loop it around the boxes and tie it off tightly.

Nancy stood at the center of the deck, her voice firm and clear. "Make sure you secure the supplies in the storage room," she instructed. "The last thing we want is stuff getting tossed all over the place."

The group of friends exchanged glances, understanding the urgency in Nancy's words. One by one, they began moving towards the storage room, securing whatever loose items in their path.

Thèrèse followed behind, her hands moving quickly to secure various crates and supplies.

The once-calm ocean now churned with fury. Dark clouds had gathered, casting the sky in an ominous hue.

Occasionally, a flash of lightning would illuminate the deck, briefly breaking through the gloom.

The beauty of the sea, usually breathtaking, had transformed into a wild and untamed display of nature's raw power.

Minho, who was securing some boxes near Thèrèse, huffed in annoyance, his muscular arms straining with the effort. 

"Remind me never to get on Mother Nature's bad side again," he muttered, rolling his eyes. "Seriously, who pissed off the weather gods this time?!"

Thèrèse arched an eyebrow, her hands working briskly to secure another crate. "I blame you, Minho," she quipped back. "You've got some kind of gift for angering the forces of nature everywhere we go."

As the storm intensified, the ship began to sway more violently. The deck became a scene of controlled chaos as the group worked together to secure the supplies.

Frypan and Gally, using their weight, held down large crates and barrels, their bodies serving as makeshift anchors.

Nico and Bea tied down some equipment with a series of complex knots.

Meanwhile, Thomas and Teresa were securing the smaller objects, making sure nothing slid around due to the lurching of the ship.

Vicky held onto a nearby railing, doing her best to keep steady. 

"This is quite a storm," she commented, raising her voice to be heard over the howling wind. "Doesn't look like it's easing up anytime soon either."

Thèrèse grunted in agreement, her muscles straining as she secured a particularly large crate. 

"No kidding. Mother Nature's really letting loose tonight," she said, her breath coming out in a pant. "At least we're well-prepared. I wouldn't want to deal with a bunch of flying debris."