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Earthquake!
Maggie had never experienced it, only
prepared for it. As long as she could remember, preparing for
an earthquake was routine at school. Her family as well had
made plans in the event of a natural disaster. Living
on the west coast of the United States was earthquake
country. However, it was not the same. Today
Maggie was home alone. Her mind focused on her parents and
what could be happening to them. Maggie knew her mom would
be driving home on the
busy, congested freeway. Her mind was preoccupied with
preparing supper for Maggie's dad. Maggie's dad was due to arrive at the airport. He was coming
home from a two week business trip.
Maggie arrived home from school at the
regular time. She was grabbing a snack from the almost bare
pantry, when she felt it. First just a tremor, then the
violent shaking. Maggie quickly scurried under the large,
oak table in the dining room. The sounds of breaking
glass and the crashing of numerous items was deafening. The
table remained intact, and Maggie hugged herself in fear.
Her mind focusing on her parents and what apparent danger they
might be in.
After what seemed like an eternity the
earthquake appeared to be over. Maggie
could hear the sound of water rushing below her in the
basement. The smell of natural gas was present in the
air. Maggie knew where the main water valve was
located. Dad had shown her where it was and how to
turn it off. Slowly and cautiously she came out from
under the table. The once tidy ranch home was now almost
unrecognizable. Walls had toppled over and electric sparks
were shooting from the outlets. As Maggie approached the
open basement door she could see the steps were still
intact. Carefully holding the handrail she made her way down
into the dark basement. While still on the steps she felt
the water rising and rising. Placing her feet firmly on the
floor Maggie felt a sudden surge of pain as a large ceiling beam
hit her head and shoulder. She fell unconscious onto a
pile of storage boxes.....
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