Eric came up to me in the office the next morning.
"You ok?"
I nodded. "Thanks… Y'know, for yesterday"
"'s a'ight. Could nay leave ma bes' mate" he grinned and me and I couldn't help but smile back. He stuck his tongue out at me and ruffled my hair like I was a little kid. "Bes' be getting' on wit' work now"
I kept my phone out on the desk, keeping an eye on the time. After a few hours, there was a sudden flash outside the window. I let out a little squeak of terror and suddenly there was a set of headphones on my head, someone's hands plugging them into my phone, opening my music library and setting an album playing. The music through the headphones drowned out all sound of the storm and I looked up to see McCopy beside me. I went to thank him but he returned to his desk quickly. Someone shut the blinds to block out the lightning. I was close to tears from their compassion. I saw there was a note attached to the wires of the headphones.
Knoxie.
Sorry I laughed at you yesterday. When I realised just how terrified you were, I felt pretty terrible about the way I had treated you in the situation. Anyway, I know storms aren't usually all that common, but there are some expected soon, so I went and got these for you. They're good quality – I tried them first to make sure. Just use them when there's a storm. Maybe it'll help. – McCopy
I smiled happily, standing up and going over to hug him. He was a little surprised but he smiled anyway.