Ethan’s Big Feel Storm

        In Ethan’s busy city, there are many things he enjoys. He likes the blinking lights and the buzz of buses and cars. He loves the convenience stores and the automatic doors that slide open with a swoosh. At the mall, the elevators go up and down, the buttons glow, and a friendly voice tells everyone what floor they are on. Ethan loves cars of every color and every kind. Some days are sunny and bright in Ethan’s city, but some days bring dark clouds and storms, especially for Ethan. On stormy days, the busy city can feel loud and sharp. An unexpected crash, a sudden horn, or distant sirens can sting his ears. On sunny days, fire trucks are fun to watch. But on stormy days, the sirens hurt him.

One cloudy morning, the sky was already dark before Ethan left for school. It was not storming yet, but Ethan could feel the electricity in the air. Something inside him was tight. The storm was brewing. While Ethan walked toward school, someone in the city needed help. An ambulance rushed by, its sirens echoing through the streets. As it drew closer, the sound pierced Ethan’s ears. He covered them and screamed, trying to block out the noise. The storm inside him grew fierce. A rumbling rose in his chest. He could not hold it in. With a burst of energy, the storm came out. His arms flailed like branches in a wild wind. His backpack flew, and papers scattered across the sidewalk like leaves. Ethan clawed at the air, trying to make the storm stop.

When the sirens finally faded, Ethan heard Daddy shouting. His backpack and pencils lay scattered. People nearby watched quietly. “Ethan, pick it up!” Daddy said sharply. Ethan obeyed. Daddy’s angry voice made the clouds swirl inside him again. Daddy lifted his hand, showing the red scratch marks. “Look what Ethan did to Daddy!” he said tightly. Ethan looked down, and Daddy took him by the arm to hurry him toward school.

Later, Mommy came to pick Ethan up. His teacher met her at the door. She spoke gently but seriously about the toys Ethan had broken when the storm returned at school. Some days are sunny. Some days have clouds that linger. Stormy days are loud and full of hard moments.

            That night, exhaustion carried Ethan into a deep sleep. His breathing slowed, and his face softened. The storm had passed for now. Daddy stepped quietly into Ethan’s room. Watching his son sleep, he felt compassion rise and regret flood in behind it. The shouting, the scratches, the broken toys, the fear on Ethan’s face all pressed on his heart. Daddy knelt beside the bed. “God, help us,” he whispered through tears. His tears soaked into Ethan’s sheets where his hands rested. Daddy did not want the storms to win in their home. He wanted to stay calm for Ethan, even when his own storms were brewing.

Morning came with the usual buzz. Mom cooked breakfast, packed lunches, and organized backpacks. Ethan and his siblings worked on last-minute homework while eating cereal. Mommy and Daddy called Ethan gently to the table, choosing to keep some sunshine in their voices. When it was time to leave for school, Ethan ran toward the elevator, ready for his favorite buttons. But beside the doors hung a bright yellow sign. TEMPORARILY OUT OF ORDER.

The lights were dark. No button chimed. A cloud moved over Ethan’s face. His shoulders rose. His fingers curled. A storm was forming. Daddy knelt down. “Ethan, can Daddy have a hug?” Ethan stepped into Daddy’s arms. Daddy gave gentle squeezes, the familiar rhythm that helped Ethan feel safe. Wrapped in the hug, Ethan could hear Daddy’s calm voice. Ethan peeked at Daddy’s eyes. They were not angry or scared today. They were calm and kind, like a little bit of sunshine.

“Let’s count the steps instead,” Daddy said. Ethan nodded. So from the sixth floor to the ground, they counted together. Each step pushed the clouds a little farther away. Outside, the exercise helped some electricity leave Ethan’s body. A distant siren sounded, and Ethan squeezed Daddy’s hand. “What is that sound, Ethan?” Daddy asked. “Fire truck,” Ethan said. “Are they going to help someone?” “Yes,” Ethan said. Daddy smiled. “Maybe one day Ethan can help people too.”

Ethan thought for a moment. “Daddy, can Ethan draw the fire truck when Ethan gets home?” “Yes. How many tires do you think it has?” They talked about red paint, ladders, flashing lights, and tires all the way to school as the sirens faded away.

Ethan’s city is full of buzz and movement. Some days the storms are light. Some days are very dark. Some days, the buzz and electricity feel big enough to swallow the sun. But Mommy and Daddy’s calm voices can bring a little bit of sun into everyone’s day. In quiet moments, Mommy asks Ethan to pray, which often helps keep the clouds away. Sunny days, cloudy days, and stormy days all come and go. God is present in them all, and His goodness is steady. Even with therapies, medicine, hard moments, and unknowns, there is a peace that only God can provide.