Final answer:
Scout feels safe and secure because she knows she can depend on someone to be there for her during challenging situations, similar to how Bess finds comfort in knowing someone will stay close during a storm.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question: 'Scout feels safe and secure because she can depend on her _____?' refers to a character's sense of safety and dependence on someone or something. In the referenced quote, Bess expresses that she feels safe and secure because she can depend on the other person to stay close and provide comfort during a bad storm. This sense of reliance and the comfort it brings is critical in creating a feeling of safety. Scout, like Bess, would likely feel safe and secure because she knows she can depend on someone to be there for her during difficult times, in this case, it's implied that it's the person reassuring Bess.