On their way to the bridge over River Ole, Benjamin noticed vehicles turning back. When he switched on the radio, the news bulletin warned that the bridge was collapsing and crossing it was extremely dangerous.
A storm in the highlands had caused River Ole to overflow, leading one of the bridge's supporting pillars to sink. Their only viable option was to return to Sunset and park the car there and use the boat to reach Randi town. But even that came with complications—another storm was brewing in Randi, making the lake too turbulent for travel.
The meteorological department issued a strong advisory: no one should attempt to use the lake.
Dr. Lucia called Benjamin and advised him to remain in Sunset with Megyn, for the night and until the storm ceases. She also contacted Mr. and Mrs. Maringo to inform them that Megyn was safe and would be spending the night at the hotel sunset. Megyn confirmed this with her father.
"We need you alive, my daughter," he said gently. "Take care of yourself. We trust you will, right?"
"Yes, Dad. I will."
Vehicles were now turning back toward Sunset and other safer areas. People scrambled for shelter as lightning streaked across the dark, churning sky, threatening to tear it open.
The scene was unnerving for Megyn. She found the idea of staying on the road terrifying—and the thought of being on the tenth floor of a hotel even more so.
Benjamin noticed her distress.
"Princess, are you okay?" he asked, glancing at her with concern.
"Benjie, I think it's dangerous to stay on the tenth floor. And it's just as risky driving on this road."
"We'll go back to Sunset," he said reassuringly. "The tenth floor is safe. The building has lightning conductors on all four corners. You'll notice the difference once we get there. Just promise me you'll stay calm until we arrive."
He reversed the car and headed back toward the hotel. Once there, they slipped through the back entrance and into the lift, ascending to the tenth floor. Benjamin held her hand all the way.
Though the storm didn't seem as fierce within the hotel compound, Megyn remained visibly startled as heavy rain began to pour.
She knew she had been free from these panic attacks for a very long time and was wondering what would have caused them. She thought of calling her parents and and inform them, but she didn't have the strength to explain.
Benjamin gently seated her on the love couch, stepped away briefly, then returned with two steaming cups of hot chocolate. He placed them on the table, turned on the stereo, and joined her on the couch.
He handed her a cup. "Gazelle, I'm here. Talk to me. Why does the storm scare you so much?"
Megyn took a deep breath in and out. "It's a long and painful story I never like to share... but because it's you, I'll try."
"Okay then," he encouraged gently. "I'm listening."
She cleared her throat. "There's a story my grandmother used to tell—about an elderly couple driving along the River Ole road on a stormy evening. They were returning to Randi after inspecting their land on this side of the river. Their car was struck by lightning, they lost control, and their burned bodies were found inside the wreck, near the river. I wasn't even born yet, but the story haunted me growing up."
She looked at Benjamin, who nodded, sensing she had more to share.
"Years later, my friend and I were playing in the rain. We were just five. It wasn't even a heavy storm, but a lightning bolt struck—and he was gone. I saw his lifeless body after a blinding flash and deafening thunder that sent me running to the house in terror.
From that day, I swore never to be caught in a storm again. That's where this fear comes from."
Benjamin placed both cups on the coffee table and gently pulled her into an embrace. He ran his fingers through her soft, short hair.
"Gazelle, I'm so sorry. That's a terrible thing to carry. I understand why storms would scare you."
Megyn nestled into his chest, feeling safer than she had in years. She breathed in the scent of his cologne—fresh, comforting, unmistakably Benjamin.
"The couple who died in that lightning strike... were my grandparents," he said quietly.
"What?" Megyn raised her head to look at him, her eyes wide with sympathy.
"They had come to inspect this land—where Sunset now stands."
"Oh no… I'm so sorry, babe." She wrapped her arms around him, rubbing his back. "I didn't know. That's heartbreaking."
Benjamin smiled, a warmth returning to his face.
"What?" she asked softly.
"I love you, babe."
"Benj, really? Is that all you can say right now?"
"I was only five. I barely knew them. But even though the way they died still makes me angry, I've come to understand. Their tragedy sparked the installation of lightning conductors in every tall building in Randi. Today, we're safer because of them."
He picked up the remote and switched on the television. A local drama series filled the screen.
"I love you, Benjamin Hawi," Megyn said, her voice tender.
"Mmm. That's what I wanted to hear." He gazed into her eyes, then kissed her softly on the corner of her mouth.
Suddenly, a news flash interrupted the show. The storm had intensified. The River Ole bridge had officially collapsed, and residents were warned to avoid the area. Footage showed water surging over the remnants of the bridge.
Fishermen too, were cautioned against venturing into Lake Randi, as violent waves tossed boats and lashed the shoreline.
Megyn, already resigned to spending the night at Sunset, panicked—not because of their plans, but because of the harrowing images on the screen.
Benjamin noticed right away. He didn't let her go. Instead, he gently changed the channel to an international movie network.
They settled in—ready to binge-watch whatever came next, side by side, their conversations mingling with the flickering light of the screen and the comforting rhythm of rainfall outside.
Soon Megyn drifted to sleep as Benjamin held her.