Lightning struck while heavy rain thundered across the capital. The night sky looked like a menacing dark abyss.
Inside a hotel suite in the Philippines, Iris Long woke up with a start as loud thunder boomed. Sweat dotted her forehead and neck while her whole back was drenched. She clutched her chest, trying to ensure that she was still breathing.
"What's wrong, love?" Jin Liwei also woke up, disturbed by his wife's movements and the storm outside.
She didn't answer him but continued catching her breath.
When he saw her pallid complexion and sweaty appearance, all the sleepiness flew away from him. He sat up and pulled his wife in his embrace, comforting her.
"You're okay, love. You're fine. I'm here."
Iris felt like she had found her lifeline, holding onto her husband's clothes for dear life while continuing to catch her breath.
