This is absolutely brilliant, @samsmith1971. I was completely captivated! Storm chasing is risky business, but if I wasn't such a chicken, I would tag along with her on her research outings. I once spent a lot of time reading up on the life and work of storm chasers, and learned about Tim Samaras and two others (including his son) who died in an enormous storm when it made a freak change in its path. So sad!

I was really charmed by the ending of this story. It warmed my heart and made me feel hopeful that people who are feeling buffed about by the storms of life (a great metaphor in your story) can find love and centeredness where they least expect it.