Sickly Sweet

Waiting Out the Storm

Sophie huddled under the wool blanket, shivering. But not with cold. She had a deathly fear of thunderstorms and it didn't help that she was in an enclosed metal building while lighting was striking.

She heard a small moan and turned over to find Lochlan. He was looking at her with wide eyes, eyebrows scrunched together.

"Are you okay?" he asked in a raspy voice. She nodded slowly, admiring his charisma. He leaned over to her, locking her eyes with his.

"Why are you so scared?"

Suddenly, thunder boomed and Sophie shrieked. Lochlan nodded with sympathy. She looked at him with wide eyes.

Then, so quickly neither of them really registered it, Sophie threw her arms around him and buried her small head in his shoulder. He awkwardly patted her back and muttered 'there there.'

She squeezed his body so hard he struggled to take in a breath and slowly pushed her off of him.

"Sophie, it's okay, alright? There is nothing to be afraid of."

She bit her lip and looked uncertainly at Lochlan.

"Why are you afraid of thunderstorms?"

She shrugged. "I don't know... I just am."

"See? Then there isn't really a reason. Nothing to be afraid of. It's just nature. Think about it. Are ladybugs really that scary?"

She giggled and shook her head.

"Good answer. Now, do ya wanna go back to sleep or...."

Sophie contemplated the question for a moment before making a decision.

"Can we play a game?"

"Sure. What game?"

"Well... Do you have any sticks about this long?"

She put her hands about seven inches apart.

"Yup. Over in the corner, with the kindling."

"Kay. Then get ready to learn how to play pick-up-sticks."

~*~

"See, then, after dumping them together, we have to try to pick one up without disturbing the others. Whoever moves another stick besides the one they chose loses."

Sophie gestured to the pile of sticks and Lochlan nodded with understanding.

"Got it. You can go first."

She carefully chose one of the sticks on top of the pile and smiled, victorious, with the prize in her hand.

"Your turn."

Lochlan frowned and studied the jumble. After some consideration, he picked up one of the top sticks and yanked it off. One right beneath it teetered, but didn't fall.

Sophie smiled at him knowingly.

"I'll let that one slide."

A few minutes later, Lochlan chose one of the five remaining sticks and it's neighbor fell onto the ground, scattering the rest. He seethed with acted anger.

"Dang it all!"

Sophie giggled. "It's okay cowboy, maybe you'll get 'em next time."

Leaning against the flimsy wall, Lochlan picked up his knitting needles.

"Now it's my turn to teach you something."

Sophie shuddered with mock horror. "This will not be pretty."

(A/N)

A short little tidbit :) hope ya enjoyed that.