Summer of Chaos

It was the hottest year yet. Every day there was a swelter this summer.  The air conditioning was the only thing saving Grace and Brian, who sat in their home, avoiding the outside.  It was a brutal heat that never seemed to leave, with little relief between the rains.  Both sat on the couch, scrolling through videos on their phones, escaping the problems of their worlds.  Their older home still needed a lot of work, but the busy days of work and chores kept them from any real productivity. The quiet time was welcome as their fledgling marriage seemed to be going well.  Grace put down her phone and gently messaged Brian's arm as he lifted his head.  Both just looked at each other and headed to bed before another long day at work.

The shabby house sat in an old neighborhood that seemed to become more dilapidated by the day.  It was once one of the wealthiest places, but it slowly fell into disrepair as the money left the area.  Brian wanted to improve his situation by earning more money at work.  A better life for his lovely wife was all he wanted, but the area offered few job opportunities. His best offer still left much to be desired in earnings, and with a baby on the way, it only increased the pressure.  Still, the quiet forgotten place was home till another opportunity came along.  Still, the heat was hitting outside even before the sun rose.  Each day of sweating and hard labor was his only option.  In a few hours, Grace would have to be up and running to her job just to support the family. Only to survive in such a place with weather that would not give anything. 

The weather channel was on as he entered work with some good news of much-needed rain.  Each day, the chill came for only such a short time.  The break would be needed for a more manageable day in the heat of the workplace.  The outside conditions were exacerbated by the heated interior, making it unbearable for all employees. The bosses seemed to simply disappear to their air-conditioned offices while the rest had to suffer through the long days of summer.  It was a job in the end, Brian reminded himself as he entered the floor to an already muggy feeling.  The rest of the employees had the same tired look of just being too heated and pushed to make better numbers.  Brian had finally reached the point of giving up hope for a better opportunity, having applied to all the new postings to no avail. He was not the golden child that was promoted and wanted. His pain only continued to make his time worse in the production department.  Still, the days seemed to meld together as life continued in small-town life.  

Rumblings of the rain still were the topic of discussion as the day went on.  It was said that the storm would be heavier, which would hopefully cool off the temperature.  The chatter that Brian was avoiding just to get through another day.  Brian still texted Grace, but she hadn't responded yet. Her job might be keeping her busy.  Brian had dreamed of advancing to a higher position in the company, envisioning bonuses. Still, all he could do was keep being overlooked.  The day dragged on, doing the same old job he had started so long ago.   As Brian sat back on the last break, only thinking of returning home to get back to some coolness.  The afternoon was wearisome, especially since the rain was not supposed to arrive until the next day.  The bells rang as the day was over, and all quickly just left as fast as they could.  Most people didn't care about the place, and management shared the same sentiment.  Another day had finished, and I was closer to the long weekend of some relaxation.

The night went well despite Grace burning dinner, but it tasted decent.  Brian could only hug her as her tears were coming down her face.  She was even more emotional with this baby, but that was life.  Brian cleaned up the mess as she went to the room for an early evening.  His mind was always preoccupied with the dreams that seemed unattainable.  Grace suddenly came out of the room with horror on her face.  Brian stood there hoping it was a small emotional matter, but the news was grim. 

"There has been a warning to evacuate this area due to possible flooding," Grace announced.

"Well, I guess we can stay at my mother's place for tonight," Brian commented.

Both packed a small bag and headed to the car. It was late, but he had to prioritize the safety of his family. Both looked at each other and agreed to return the next day after another non-emergency.  The old house has stood, and would continue to stand, until it is knocked down. As Brian drove to his mother's house, Grace could only feel her belly as her child was going to come.  The stillness of the night was fine, but work was awaiting them in the morning, despite any alerts.  Brian could see that Grace dozed off as he was coming to his mother's.  Grace could sleep peacefully and even carried her inside.  Her safety and well-being were on his mind.  They dozed off, ready to start another day and reach the following weekend.

The next morning, they were both woken up as they started to watch the news.  As the water was flowing through the area where they lived. Both held each other and were glad to take a precautionary trip out. The house was gone on the screen, along with everything they had with it.  Even that old house was worth something to them, but now they were out of a home.  The neighborhood was gone, and hopefully, the neighbors had left. Still, the water came fast without warning, giving many no chance to even leave their homes. The number of missing people was even listed, but it meant that some might even be dead.  In one night, the whole summer changed.  Their child was on the way, and they needed a new place with decent rent.   The lives of all those who could not get out were on the forefront.    Brian received a call saying the roads were impassable, making it impossible for him to go to work, and some of his coworkers were in the flooding.   The whole world came to a standstill as so many were missing. The local emergency crews were on site, trying to save whoever they could.  This has never happened in this area, and yet it came and went like a ghost.  The screen was blurry at times due to the numerous circumstances and the remaining flowing water.  Brian and Grace sat there for hours, hoping to even see their neighbors again.  

The morning brought more news, but many missing people appeared on all the screens. Local charities were established to collect essential items for those who have lost everything.  Brian could only feel fortunate that he had lost only his things, but he had his life. The national news even reported this tragedy.  Both stayed home as they were now homeless and contacted the authorities to let them know that they were alive.   Not even food made any of them feel better as Grace was trying to call several of her neighbors with no success.  One night could change so many things, and the summer was that of destruction.  Now, it's time to move on and try to find the remaining people and items lost in this storm.  Right now, Brian was safe at his mother's house as he waited to hear more news of any survivors. 

Only a few days later, both Brian and Grace went back to their old neighborhood.  It was flattened with the house destroyed.  The mud was covering the road and the vacant, fallen houses.  It was a few hours, and there was so much devastation.  Others were also looking for what remained of their stuff.  The Coltens were on a long weekend and greeted the others who had left on the warning.  They were all just standing with the few belongings that remained.  Brian could find a few more since the house collapsed, but held a good bit of the life that they had.  It was not even a street anymore.  Finally, some reports that old Mrs.  Grafton was dead and was found down the road.   It was pure chaos as other residents were listed.  A family of four was washed away, and only the four-year-old was found.  Brian could only look at Grace with appreciation that they were alive, and all the stuff was not worth the concern.  Things can always be replaced, but a life cannot be brought back was the lesson. The chaos was here and gone, but there was so much hope.  The community banded together to donate food, water, and clothing before any other groups could come.  This disaster was not supposed to happen. Some of the houses had been standing for over one hundred years.   Brian gathered his remaining items to head back to his mother's.   

The ride home was quiet, marking a new beginning amidst the heat and devastation of the flooding.  In a matter of hours, all lives were turned upside down. Brian had to say goodbye to everything he knew, as he had to return to his family until a new living situation was found.  The loss weighed on their minds with many they would never see again.  It all changed in the summer as the heat increased, and the storms came.  Another day was given to live despite all that had happened.  A baby was coming, and the world kept going through it all.   Brian looked at Grace with a smile.  She looked back to reassure me that tragedy would not destroy them.  A new chance in life was at the end of this time.  Now, they can start over and live on, having been allowed to survive.