Warmth that protects the soul

ㅤ The night turned out to be especially chilly. The rain mixed with hail, persistently pounding the window. The wind howled terrifyingly, its gusts literally sweeping away everything outside. The two girls kept squeezing their eyes shut, pulling the blanket over their heads, when the glass shook especially alarmingly. Chloe didn't like this kind of weather: it called to the darkest corners of her soul. It was impossible to hide from herself, no matter how tightly she curled up, hugging her trembling knees. Though the past had been let go, it wasn't forgotten, it hadn't gone anywhere. And every time the weather turned bad, the bad thoughts returned, piercing her heart with sadness, though no longer with hatred. The sound of rain always evoked a strong feeling of loneliness. Too often, Elsa had to cope on her own: her father was constantly absent, and there was no one to hug her and calm her down. The drops running down the glass seemed to represent her tears, which she could not allow herself to shed: not wanting to worry her father, Elsa was determined to be strong. At least in her soul, since her body couldn't… A sudden, powerful rumble of thunder nearly shattered the windows. Chloe tensed even more, clenching her teeth. But then she felt calmer. Weak arms wrapped around her — Elsa pressed her whole body against Chloe, stilling her own trembling, soothing herself with the other's warmth. Chloe, coming to her senses, hugged her back, resting her cheek against the top of her head as if it were a soft toy. Elsa hadn't felt such peace in a long time. She'd forgotten what it was like to be cared for by her mother, but in that moment, it felt like they were together again. Her heart stabbed a little, but along with the nagging pain, warmth also spread. Elsa felt protected like never before. Chloe shifted, getting more comfortable, no longer feeling afraid, which worried Elsa. "Don't let go!" she cried out fearfully, clinging even tighter. "It's okay. I'm here," Chloe whispered in her ear. "I'm right here with you." Gradually, the stormy weather calmed. The raging rain turned into a soothing orchestra of drops. But by that time both girls were happily snoring in each other's arms. ㅤ