Fear stronger than he’d ever known—even more than those days stranded after the crash—attacked him. For Janie and Ava, not himself. If he succeeded in anything in life, it would be protecting these two from the devastating force of nature outside.
He wished for a window so he could see the enemy and know what he was up against. Then again, sometimes it was better not to see, and simply to know of its presence. When the rumbling increased in volume, he shifted his body to better shelter the girls. Ava’s cries had transitioned to full wails. He glanced down and saw silent tears of terror in Janie’s eyes.Please let this end soon, Lord. Protect everyone in the tornado’s path.
Eventually, the noise faded away. What felt like hours had only been minutes. With legs like gelatin, he stood upright and stepped backward. “Are you okay?”
Janie nodded. “Is it over?”
He helped her up. “I think so.”
Holding the quieted baby on her hip, she leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder. “I never want to go through that again.”
“Me either.” He opened the flashlight app on his phone to give them light. “Stay here, and I’ll go check things out.”
“Be safe.” Her hand stayed on his arm until he walked out of reach.
He left the utility room and inspected the house’s interior. So far, so good. Not so much when he reached the kitchen. An unknown object had broken the window above her sink. He looked out the back door, saw her deck was ripped to shreds, and portions of the siding were gone. It was a miracle her house still stood. A tree had fallen in her backyard and another across the street.
The houses he could see hadn’t fared as well. Three within view were destroyed, torn into mere splinters. He prayed for the safety of the occupants. Sick to his stomach, he forced himself to look out the front door. A lawn chair from somewhere had crashed through his windshield. Janie’s car appeared untouched, but debris littered the front yard and cul-de-sac.
Night encroached, and would soon cover the damage. Small blessing to delay seeing the vast damage in full light.
His phone rang in his pocket. He took it out and answered the call from Jared whom he hadn’t talked to in weeks.
“Have you heard from Janie?” Jared’s question rushed out in a torrent of words and short breath. “I just heard a twister touched down in River Mills, and I can’t get in touch with her.”
“She’s fine. I’m here with her.”
A loud whoosh echoed through the line. “Good. How are you guys? Is it bad?”
“Shaken up. Damage is pretty bad from what I can see, but her home is intact. Others weren’t so lucky.” He rubbed a hand on his neck, still trying to process what had happened.
“What can I do?”
“Can you come pick us up? I don’t think Janie should stay here tonight, and the streets are blocked with debris—besides the fact that my car has a lawn chair in the front seat and is blocking in Janie’s. We’ll have to walk up and meet you. Hopefully, there’s nothing else in the way of you getting here.” He forgot about the baby. Ava’s mom must be worried sick. “Don’t head out yet. Janie’s babysitting her neighbor’s kid. Let me see what’s going on with her.”
“Give me a call when you’re ready, and I’ll be there.” Jared paused. “Where’s Janie going to stay?”
He hadn’t thought that far. “My place I guess, and I’ll crash somewhere else.”
“I have a spare room with a futon.” Jared’s deep breath sent a whistle over the connection. “I owe you and Janie an apology, and I’m sorry for walking out at Easter.”
“Let bygones be bygones.” Life was too short for grudges, and he was just glad to have his friend back and them all safe. “We can talk more later.”
“I’ll see you soon.”
Evan walked inside after the call ended and found Janie still in the utility room. “Your house has damage, but it fared better than others.”
“What did it do?”
He relayed the damage to her. “Jared called while I was out front. I figured you wouldn’t want to stay here tonight, so he’ll pick us up, and you can stay at my place tonight. He offered to let me crash at his place.”
“Ava’s mom is on her way. She called and was frantic when she heard. I assured her Ava is fine.” She edged toward the door. “How is her house?”
“I only saw the front, but it looked fine other than debris in the yard.” He reached for the baby. “Want me to hold her while you pack a bag?”
“That would be great. Thanks.” She stopped at the door. “About earlier…”
“We’ll talk tomorrow. We’ve both been through the wringer tonight.” He pressed a hand to her cheek. “For now, know that I love you.”
