Thunder rumbled and lightning flashed as Eliza woke up. She saw the empty space next to her, and she jumped out of bed. "No, no, no, no, no, no! Alex! Alex!" No response. Not good. She heard a whimper, and she looked in the corner, where Alex sat huddled in a ball, shaking uncontrollably. "I-I don't wanna die! We hafta get to high ground!" She kissed him to shut him up. "It's just a small storm, Alex. Come back to bed." Strong arms wrapped around her waist, and she shushed him again. She laid him in bed and climbed in. Alex curled into a ball, shaking so hard it looked like convulsions. She pulled him into her arms. "Shhh. Shhhhh. You're safe. You're with me."
Alex sobbed into her chest, babbling incoherently. A loud crash sounded, and the lamp went out.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!" The pair v of arms wrapped around her waist turned to an iron grip. He was sobbing hysterically into her chest now.
"Daddy! Mommy!"
Philip and Angie ran in, eyes wide. Was Dad scared again? Philip sighed and hugged Angie to his side. "Someday you'll understand."