Chapter 10: The Storm
A month after Elena’s death, a massive thunderstorm rolled over the city. Thunder shook the penthouse glass. Arthur, working late in his study, heard a small, muffled cry.
He rushed to Mia's room. She was huddled in the corner of her closet, trembling violently, her hands clamped over her ears.
""Mia?"" Arthur knelt beside her.
""The thunder,"" she sobbed. ""Mommy used to sing to me when the sky got angry. She's not here. She's not here!"" The dam broke. The stoic, polite facade shattered, and the grieving, terrified little girl finally let out the agonizing pain of losing her mother.
Arthur didn't offer empty platitudes. He crawled into the dark closet, wrapped his arms around her, and pulled her tightly against his chest. ""I know, baby. I know it hurts,"" he whispered, rocking her gently. ""I'm here. I've got you. I'm not going anywhere.""
For the first time, Mia hugged him back, burying her face in his shirt. They stayed on the closet floor until the storm passed.
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