Storm Warning

FlashNano Day 2: Write a story where the weather changes, and this also changes the story.

Winter Storm Warning! Flash Flood Warning! Tornado Warning! Newscasters in bright yellow rain slickers appear almost gleeful warning of the possible death and destruction this epic storm could cause.

Julie stepped out onto her weather beaten porch. The tiny shack she called home was a faded, patchy gray. The structure was weak and buckled in portions. Termites burrowed deeply into every corner and crevice.

Pulling her threadbare robe tighter around her shivering, thin body she closed and dead bolted the door. As if locking the door would keep the storm out.

She entered her dingy gray bedroom that was empty except for a twin bed, a wobbly nightstand and a lamp. She climbed into the bed and pulled the itchy blanket up to her chin.

“Come what may…” she sighed.

Through the small window she saw the first flash of lightning. Silently she counted, 1…2…3…4 BOOM! The windows rattled from the thunderous roar. The house creaked and groaned.

“It’s getting closer…” she thought.

Within moments the second flash of lightning lit up the sky and she once again began to count 1…2 BOOM! The house shook with a powerful force. The light in the room flickered off and on and then remained off. She was engulfed in darkness as the storm raged around her. The wind became so fierce she could hear the shingles on the roof being ripped off. Leaks began breaking through the ceiling and puddling on the floor.

The noise was too much… too loud. Her terror was visceral, she pulled the blanket over her head and began to sob. With an earsplitting roar the roof collapsed on top of her.

She never saw it coming.

Julie’s eyes burst open, light flooded the room. Confused, she looked around. She was in a bright, cheerfully painted yellow room. There were pictures on the walls of sunflowers and daisies and a smiling family. From her luxurious four postered bed, cozy under a plush down comforter she could look directly out at a large picture window. Sheer white drapes blew gently in the breeze. The sky was clear and blue.

She got out of bed and took notice of her shapely, tan legs she didn’t recognize as her own. Reaching up mindlessly she ran her hand over her long, silky blonde hair. She looked in the mirror and a lovely, young woman looked back at her.

A vaguely familiar, handsome man strode into the room and planted a kiss on her forehead.

“Good morning, sleepy-head…”

“Mike? Is that…”

“We thought we’d let you sleep in. But, someone can’t wait a moment longer to show you her surprise. Come on. You’ve got to see this, babe.”

Taking her hand he led her into a homey kitchen, where a curly-haired blonde child wearing pink footie pajamas was standing on a stool buttering toast at the counter.

“Mommy!” The little girl exclaimed.

“Bri? My baby…” Julie ran across the room and scooped her baby girl up. Tears streaming down her face. She hugged her daughter tight until she squealed.

“Mommy! It’s just breakfast! Why are you crying?” Bri asked giggling.

“Oh baby, it’s the best breakfast I’ve ever seen or smelled. I’m just so happy, I love you and your daddy so much!”

“We love you, too, mommy! Happy Mommy’s Day! Sit down, I’m gonna serve you breakfast – that I made…mostly all by myself!” Bri rushed off to grab plates.

Mike leaned down and kissed Julie, their lips held for more than a few sweet moments.

“Happy Mother’s Day, Babe. We’ve got a big day planned for you…”

“What about the weather?” Julie asked.

“Clear skies ahead, my love.”