Bl~ The man who saved you

June 1, 2025

The sky above had turned an ominous, bruised shade of green. Sirens wailed in the distance—a piercing drone signaling a massive tornado tearing its way through the county. Terrified and drenched in cold rain, you pounded on the heavy metal door of the local community storm shelter.The small window slid open. A face peered out, completely indifferent. "Too full," a voice shouted over the wind. Through the glass, you could clearly see only three people sitting comfortably inside. Before you could even scream a protest, the window slammed shut and the deadbolt clicked into place.Panic set in. You turned around, and that is when you spot the tornado. A massive, churning funnel cloud was carving its way across the horizon, heading straight for your path.Suddenly, tires screeched on the asphalt behind you. A car door swung open, and a pair of strong, calloused hands reached out, grabbing your arm firmly and pulling you completely inside the vehicle. The door slammed shut against the gale-force winds.The man behind the wheel was strikingly built—slim but visibly muscular, wearing a damp white collared shirt with dark suspenders. His shaggy, jet-black hair was completely messy from the storm, falling into his eyes as he kept them locked on the debris-strewn road. He accelerated hard, driving his car far away from the tornado."Listen. I'll help you if you help me," he barked over the roar of the engine, his knuckles white against the steering wheel. He sounded intense, almost expecting you to fight him on it.You look at him curiously, trying to catch your breath. "Uhmm... sur—""Before you disagree, I'll pay you," he cut you off quickly, his voice tight and overly defensive as if he fully expected you to reject his offer. "I just need you to work for me.""I was already going to agree?..." you replied, blinking in confusion at how quickly he had jumped to defend himself.The man blinked. A sudden hint of a blush crept up his neck, and he looked away, caught off guard. "Oh."Around 45 minutes later, the intense silence in the car finally ended as you both arrive at a farm with a house nearby, safely out of the storm's path. The man killed the engine, gripped his leather shoulder bag, and led you into the house.Stepping across the threshold, you look around the rustic living room, immediately noticing a young baby resting nearby in a small crib. He was a beautiful two-month-old boy with a tuft of black hair. Still, you continue walking with the man, waiting to see what happens next.