TNN ONESHOTS

Thunderstorm- CM & L & AMR & MK

The air had been thick and heavy for days, each one hotter than the last. The sun had been beating down relentlessly, turning the world into a shimmering mirage. The trees drooped, their leaves were listless, and the birds sought refuge in the deepest shade, their songs replaced by weary silence. Everyone longed for relief for a break from the oppressive heat that seemed to suffocate the very life out of everyone.

The children were hot and tired, and so were the staff, leaving the nursery a draining place to be.

As the afternoon went on, a change began to stir in the atmosphere. A low rumble echoed in the distance, barely audible at first but growing steadily louder. Dark clouds gathered on the horizon, swirling and churning like a cauldron of shadows. The wind picked up, rustling the parched leaves and carrying with it the scent of ozone and rain.

Then, the storm broke. A jagged bolt of lightning split the sky, followed by a deafening clap of thunder that shook the ground. Outside the nursery, the rain poured down in sheets, washing away the dust and grime that had accumulated during the long, hot days. The parched earth drank deeply, and the air crackled with energy.

Meanwhile, inside the nursery, the staff all worked together to keep the children calm. Some found it fascinating and raced to the windows while other found the closest adult and held onto them for comfort.

The sky outside the room Carly was working in had turned an ominous shade of purple, and the wind howled like a banshee. Inside, the fluorescent lights flickered nervously as the first claps of thunder echoed through the building. Carly, who already had a well-documented fear of thunderstorms, was starting to feel her anxiety rise. Each flash of lightning sent a shiver down her spine, and the booming thunder made her jump.

Lydia noticed her distress. "Hey, you okay?" she asked, her voice calm and reassuring. Carly shook her head slightly, her eyes wide with fear. "I hate these storms, but i need to look after the kids. They are just as scared," she whispered, clutching her arms around herself tightly. Lydia pulled up a chair beside her. "I know they can be scary, but you're safe in here. We're inside, and this building can handle anything, both inside and out. It won't last long." Lydia spoke calmly as she kept a close eye on her friend.

"I have to walk home tonight.  What if it's not stopped? Or got worse?" Carly mumbled nervously as she watched the sky light up. "That's ages away yet, and I know Marj won't let you walk in the rain. Why don't you see if you can swap out with mia or Marjorie?" But Carly shook her head. "I dont want to be alone.  Please don't leave me." She mumbled nervously. "Fine lets get the paint out, and they can paint a rainbow for after the storm." Lydia mentioned before reaching for Carly's hand.

Just then, the thunder rattled the old  windows, each boom sending vibrations through the floor. Just as Carly was back on her feet, all the lights went out, leaving the room a few shades darker. A scream echoed around the room. Carly was already on edge from the storm, and the power cut pushed her over the brink. She stayed frozen at her side of the room, breath coming in ragged gasps, vision tunnelling.

Lydia noticed Carly before springing into action.  "Okay, children, everyone carefully into the book corner and find a book to look at with your friends, please." Lydia addressed them before swinging open the room door. "Marjorie! Mia! Help!" Lydia's voice echoed down the corridor, sharp with urgency. She knew Carly needed help and fast. Mia, always calm in a crisis, appeared first, Marjorie right behind her. They rushed into the classroom, their faces etched with concern as they spotted Carly. Mia quickly knelt beside Carly, speaking in a soothing voice, while she gently guided Carly's hands to demonstrate deep breathing. "Marj, can you stay in the room, please? Im going to take Carly to the office for a while." Mia spoke calmly as she took charge of the situation.