An employee approaches them and directs their attention to Katie. "Greetings, young lady, would you care for a sweet delight before departing? I observed your exemplary behavior and patience while my colleagues tended to your mother's vehicle. It's truly invigorating to have such a well-mannered child here. Often, the youngsters who accompany their parents are impolite and discourteous. They disregard instructions and frolic around like wild spirits. You, on the other hand, displayed none of that and merit a token of appreciation."
"I cannot decline a complimentary treat. Thank you, sir," Katie responds and selects one. "May my brothers partake as well, please?"
"Certainly, if they so desire. And what about you, young miss?" The employee inquires, turning to Camille.
"Yes, please. Thank you," Camille replies.
"Your generosity is truly heartwarming. I am grateful for your gesture of offering them a delicacy," Ms. Knight expresses her gratitude.
After re-entering the vehicle and resuming their journey, a heavy silence envelops everyone.
"Why does the rain persist? Hasn't it poured enough already?" Katie laments, her frustration evident in her voice.
"The forecast predicts several more days of rain, unfortunately," Logan replies.
"Why is that?" Katie inquires.
"I cannot say, but remember, it is not eternal," Logan reassures.
Katie, dissatisfied, lets out a groan and immerses herself in her handheld game, seeking solace and diversion from the relentless downpour.
A sudden clap of thunder startles both her and Carlos, prompting them to instinctively cling to Logan for comfort.
"Please, I need to breathe. Release me," Logan manages to utter amidst his struggle for air.
They loosen their grip.
Exhaling deeply, Logan expresses his gratitude, "Thank you," he breathes out, relieved.
Camille inquires, "Do both of you suffer from astraphobia to such an extent?"
"Didn't you already know that?" Katie responds.
"Yes, but I've never witnessed both of you clinging onto Logan like that," Camille remarks.
"There are different reasons why they fear thunderstorms. Katie's fear stems from her early childhood, while Carlos' fear stems from his overactive imagination," Logan explains.
"So, you don't believe Carlos has a fear of thunderstorms?" Camille questions.
"No, I believe he does, but I don't believe the reason that caused it," Logan clarifies.
"Camille, my fear is genuine. During thunderstorms like this one, they emerge from hiding," Carlos asserts.
"They? Who are they?" Camille inquires.
"The most terrifying creatures who adore storms that have ever existed on this planet. I'm referring to the California bog monster and his crew," Carlos declares.
Camille stares at him, perplexed. "What?" she asks.
"See? I told you the reason behind his fear of thunderstorms was unrealistic," Logan interjects.
"It is real! I'll explain why! The California bog monster and his crew truly exist!" Carlos insists.
Kendall shook his head, facepalm at the ready. "Oh, Carlos, not again. Your wild imagination always manages to drag us into trouble. That made-up monster of yours exists solely in your mind for who knows what reason. Just because you saw a movie about a storm-loving beast doesn't make you an expert on its existence. It was purely fictional, Carlos."
"It's real, I swear!" Carlos insisted, his eyes wide with conviction.
Kendall turned to Logan, seeking some support in dealing with their friend's delusions. "Can you handle this, Logan?"
Logan hesitated, feeling the weight of the situation on his shoulders. "I guess I don't have much of a choice, do I?"
James interjected with some words of encouragement. "You've got this, buddy."
Sighing in frustration, Logan wished Kendall and James would share the burden of addressing Carlos' absurd beliefs. It seemed he was always left to handle it alone.
Camille expressed her concern to Kendall and James regarding Logan having to bear the burden of dealing with Carlos' irrational beliefs all by himself. Without hesitation, Kendall argued that Logan was better equipped to handle such a situation mentally. Camille was not convinced and insisted that Logan needed their empathy and support. James added that Logan's intelligence and history of handling Carlos' unique mindset made him the best suited for the job. Camille's persistent plea finally convinced Kendall and James to offer their help, as they asked Logan what they could do to assist.
"Try to reason with Carlos. We all know that the legend of the California bog monster is just as unbelievable as big foot and aliens. They're all just fictional creatures from TV and movies. They're not real," Logan insists.
"Oh, they are real! I swear they are!" Carlos protests. "You guys think I'm losing it, don't you?"
"Well, yes, but in a delightfully entertaining way. I'm all for your beliefs in big foot and aliens, but the California bog monster? Sounds like something straight out of a Scooby Doo episode," James remarks.
"Probably because he's watched way too much of that show," Kendall adds with a laugh.
Carlos shares the terrifying encounter his Papi had with the California bog monster. According to Carlos, his Papi and his squad were searching for escaped criminals in the woods when they felt they were being watched. One by one, the squad members disappeared, leaving only his Papi. Suddenly, a huge green slimy creature with dark soulless eyes and razor-sharp teeth appeared behind him. However, his Papi managed to dodge the creature's attack by using parkour skills. He then discovered his squad members and the escaped criminals tied up in the bog monster's lair. They all escaped the woods to avoid further danger. Carlos believes his Papi's story completely, as he has never lied to him before.