Emerging From the Blackness - (WOTW)

Standing before the picture window I looked out over the boardwalk and lake. The sky was ominous, the winds were coming up with such force it was spinning water troughs across the surface of the water. I can’t remember the last time I saw something like that on the lake, if I ever had.

The clock struck 11am reminding me I had to soon head out to the grocers to pick up some fruits and vegetables. Going to be a rough walk by the look of things. The sound of the radio in the background got my attention with a sharp warning sound.

“The storm is expected to bring wind gusts up to 100km per hour at it’s peak. Residents are urged to secure anything loose and remain indoors. The wind and rains will be picking up within the hour. I repeat: Residents are urged to stay home. Be prepared for power outages.”

“Hmmm, guess I best get out to get my groceries. I’ve heard those dire warnings before and nothing happened. But, why tempt the fates.” I muttered aloud.

I wrapped myself up warmly and off I went. The winds were whipping around me hard enough to make me struggle to keep my balance. My hair was blowing itself into a tangled mess.

The grocers was packed from stem to stern with people frantically buying up supplies.

The fruits and vegetables were pretty picked over, both the fresh and frozen. I usually never consider canned but, some canned fruit could be of help if the storm does hit as forecast. Some bread, cheese and canned meats also landed in my basket before making my way through the swirly human mass to the register.

I headed back out into the weather with my parcel held close to my chest to protect it. The wind was at my back but blowing harder than before and now the rain was starting. The wind drove the rain so hard it was like nails hitting my back. I tried to pick up my pace toward home and out of this weather.

Just feet from my door, I felt the wind pickup along with the rain. The wind swirled around me and the world went black. I stopped, disoriented and unsettled. I couldn’t see even a pinprick before me.

This has never happened in my memory. I’m sure the front door is directly in front of me. Okay, one step at a time and use my toes to check for obstacles. Slowly, carefully I make my way up the two stairs to my door. Reaching just inside the door for the light switch, I discover, the power is also out.

As I slowly put my parcel down, I try to remember where my candles and matches were. Damn, I should have left them out before leaving. Sounds of the wind driving what sounded like debris against the house was unsettling.

Kitchen… cupboard beside the fridge. Yeah, that was where I had candles and matches. Okay, nice and slow will get me there. This is unbelievable how dark it is for mid-afternoon. The sounds of stuff hitting the house seemed to be getting louder and more persistent. The possibility of something damaging hitting the house was becoming frightening.

Candles found, I lit several and settled down at the kitchen table. A cup of coffee would go good right now but I’ll have to settle for a sandwich and some fruit.

The day wore into evening and then night with no letup of the winds and rains. Or of the sounds of things hitting the house. Where could all that be coming from? I settled into an uneasy sleep around midnight.

When I woke just before daybreak all was quiet at last. Almost too quiet. The power was still out.

Coffee was out of the question but I still had bread, cheese and canned meat for breakfast. I decided I’d get a bite to eat and then take a walk around town to see what all that debris hitting the house came from. After checking if the house had any damage to it from stuff hitting it.

Breakfast finished, I put my wrap on and stepped out onto my porch. I look around the house, found bits and pieces of wood laying around but no visible damage to the house. Coming back around to the porch I looked out across the town and my jaw dropped.

What had been houses and stores yesterday was virtually flattened. I could see a few figures moving slowly around. The debris had been my neighbours and friends homes blown apart and bouncing off my home that some how remained standing.

In shock, I offered a prayer for the safety of all and set off in the direction of what remained, to see what I could do.

Shadowspub writes on a variety of subjects as she pursues her passion for learning. She also writes on other platforms and enjoys creating books you use like journals, notebooks, coloring books etc.


NOTE: unless otherwise stated, all images are the author’s

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