Preview: “The Storm”

Where are you going? she asked.  

Just got an alert. Tornado touched down. I gotta go.

She chewed her lip. She wanted to keep him safe. 

She said, If it’s already reported, do you really need to go?

He laughed, Doesn’t work like that, unfortunately.

He kissed her then, not knowing that if he paid attention he would be able to feel the wind on her lips; that if he took her with him, she could lead him to the heart of the storm. 

He told her to listen to the radio, to be ready to wait in the storm shelter. 

She stood on the porch and watched him leave, the truck pulling away down the street. She went inside and closed the door. 

Maybe, if she had told him, back then, it would have been easier to explain—without the fights and resentment—and he would understand the water has been following her and the storms are getting worse, putting the town—and him—in danger.

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