The sky was darker than usual, heavy clouds rolling in like a warning. Dad stood at the edge of the yard, calling Cubisās name again and again. No answer. Cubis had gone exploring earlier that afternoon, full of curiosity and excitement, but now he was nowhere to be found. With every passing minute, the wind grew stronger, carrying the distant sound of thunder.
Mom tried to stay calm, but worry filled her eyes. The storm was coming fast. Leaves swirled across the ground, and the air felt tense. Dad grabbed his flashlight and rain jacket, determined not to waste another second. āIāll find him,ā he said firmly, even as his heart raced.
Dad searched the familiar paths firstāthe garden, the small trail near the trees, and Cubisās favorite hiding spots. He called out loudly, his voice fighting against the rising wind. In the distance, lightning flashed, lighting up the sky for just a moment. Each flash made Dad imagine Cubis alone and frightened, and he pushed himself to move faster.
Meanwhile, Cubis was curled up near an old shed, scared and cold. He hadnāt meant to wander so far. When the wind picked up, he panicked and hid, hoping someone would come. Every rumble of thunder made him flinch, but he whispered Dadās name, believing he would be found.
Just as the first drops of rain began to fall, Dad heard a faint soundāsoft and shaky, but familiar. āCubis!ā he shouted, following the noise. He ran toward the shed, his heart pounding. When he saw Cubis sitting there, muddy but safe, relief flooded his entire body.
Dad rushed forward, wrapping Cubis in a tight hug. āIāve got you,ā he said, his voice trembling. Cubis clung to him, tears mixing with rain as the storm finally broke. Thunder roared, but it didnāt matter anymore.
They hurried home together as rain poured down. At the doorway, Mom pulled them both inside, holding Cubis close. The storm raged outside, but inside the house was warm and safe.
That night, Cubis fell asleep wrapped in blankets, holding Dadās hand. The storm had come, but love and determination arrived first. š©ļøā¤ļø
