Broken

Thunder

//TRIGGER WARNING: ASTROPHOBIA AND MENTIONS OF ABUSE\\ you have been warned...

DAN

My stomach dropped like a rock. I felt the color leave my face. But I knew I didn't mishear the man talking on the phone.

"- would you like me to call you when one becomes available?"

My throat clenched. Because of the coming storm, every cab was taken.

      "When will that be?" I asked, trying to control my temper. I knew it wasn't this mans fault.

      "At least 30 minutes." The man replied.
I couldn't handle it. Anger bubbled up my chest.
      "The storm will be right over us by then!" I shouted. Too loud.

I felt a hand grab my wrist.

Phil.

I looked over to him. His expression was worry and confusion.

      "Sorry." I said into the phone quickly before hanging up. Phil released my arm.

I looked down to his shoes. I felt embarrassed for shouting. I just couldn't handle it. With every drop of rain, the fear in my chest seemed to grow and there was nothing I could do about it. Luckily it was just rain at this point. But I needed to get home. To get to my room- my bed. somewhere safe.

      "..Alright?"

I jumped at Phil's voice, realizing he had been speaking to me while I stared at his shoes. I whipped my head up and met his piercing blue gaze. His hair was damp from having stepped outside for a moment.

      "S-sorry, what?" I stammered.

Phil furrowed his eyebrows.

      "Dan, seriously, whats wrong?" he asked, putting a hand on my shoulder, "You can talk to me."

I took a shaky breath. I couldn't tell him. He would laugh, or tell me to get over it. I mean seriously, a 25 year old with the fear of-
no, he wouldn't understand. Its stupid anyways and If I could stop being afraid I would. But I can't, no matter how hard I try. I had never told Phil because who would want to live with someone with a fear of something so stupid? No one.
Besides- I had gone this long without him knowing.
I had to come up with something. Fast. Phil was still staring.

      "I-I" I hesitated, I hated lying to Phil, "You were right. I don't feel well. I think I may be sick."

Phil smiled sweetly.

      "Well why didn't you just tell me? Silly." He said, "Lets get home then. I take it there are no cabs?"

I shook my head.

      "No problem." Phil said.

No problem? I shouted in my mind, Wrong- BIG problem.

I suddenly realized Phil was holding out a coat for me. His coat.

      "Put this on- It's only about 15 minutes to walk to the flat."

I grabbed it slowly.

      "No, Phil, we can't walk- besides, you need your coat." I said, shaking my head.

Phil just smiled and brushed past me, and out the door. My heart gripped with fear as I saw the thick sheen of rain coming down on him. He was soaked immediately in his green tshirt. I rolled my eyes at his stubborn move and draped the coat over my head. Maybe we'd make it back before it got too bad. I took a deep breath and stepped outside next to Phil and we started walking. I could see my breath swirling in front of me. The cold air slipped through my clothes and agitated my skin. My chest quaked with anxiety, increasing with each step.