@WisteriaGeneralStore:Rain, rain, go away... but while it’s here, we’ve stocked up on batteries, lanterns, and granola bars (and a few lemon tarts for morale). Stay safe, neighbors. We’re open till 4:00—unless the creek claims our front stoop. #WisteriaStrong #StormSnacks #PrepareWithPastry
Comments:
@PastorNateNHC:Yea, though I walk through the valley of overflowing gutters, I shall fear no rain... for the Lord invented galoshes. We’re checking on elderly neighbors—text if you know someone who needs help. #LightInTheFlood #FaithAndRubberBoots #LoveThyNeighbor
@TGDPub:Closed early due to flash flood risk. But if the pub floats down Main Street, I expect it to land upright and still serve stew. Stay safe, Wisteria. #ClosedButStillCooking #PubOnTheMove #StewAndSafetyFirst
@MargaretColeman:All events at the Wisteria Manor are postponed until further notice. Also, all pony rides are off—our ponies are not fans of thunder. Stay warm.Stay dry. And check on your people. #HistoryOnHold #PonyStrikesAgain #WisteriaWeatherWatch
@GrannyDOfficial:Storm’s loud enough to drown out the Hallmark Channel. I’m not sayin’ it’s serious... but I just made a triple batch of biscuits just in case. #GrannyDPrepares #StormComforts #ButterAndPrayer
@MayorWilsonOfficial:ROAD UPDATE:
Backbridge Road closed
Laurel’s Rest Road partially washed away
Avoid driving unless you’re rescuing someone—or you’re a duck.
We’re patrolling through town. Text your neighbors, check on the elderly, and stay high and dry. #SheriffSaysStayPut #NotASwimmingRoad #WisteriaWatch
Jack:Did you leave the apartment?
Daphne:No, Lucy and I are still here.
Jack:Okay, stay there for now. The river’s rising, and with the current and some floating debris, I don’t want you risking getting out in this.
Daphne:What if the dam breaks?
Jack:Just stay where you are. The inn is sheltering folks from lower-lying areas. Worse-case scenario, I’ll come and get you to bring you here.
Nate:The church is being used as a shelter too. We have hot food. And Mr. Rutherforton’s left the hardware store open for anyone who needs supplies. Spread the word if you can. And pray. It’s worse than you think.
Jack:Headed out to help with some rescue efforts.
Finn:Trees are down everywhere. I had to go a back way around Route 122 because it was impassable.
Daphne:Be safe, y’all.
Nate:I’ll join you, Jack.
Thank the good Lord for happily distracted little girls.
Daphne moved through the apartment, stuffing clothes, her laptop, chargers, a flashlight, and a handful of emergency snacks into two tote bags. If she’d had access to Finn’s apartment, she would’ve packed for him and Lucy too. As it was, she’d settled for keeping his daughter safe—and that felt like the weightiest job of all.
Her mind ping-ponged between two options: trying to get to the top of Main Street during a storm with a little girl and a dog or hunkering down where they were. Upstairs in her apartment wasn’t ideal, but it was solid, dry, and elevated. For now.
And as evening approached, a better option.
At least they had electricity, height, and phone service.
The lights flickered again, the ceiling fan slowing to a crawl before swirling back to life.
Okay, electricityfor now.
Daphne’s phone, which had been buzzing nonstop for the last hour, lay face up on the counter nearby, awaiting news from anyone, everyone.
She drew in a deep breath. However, there was no need to panic. No major issues had been reported so far, just the awareness that catastrophecouldhappen. Her shoulders slumped. Like a dam breaking. Or another bridge going out. Or a mudslide.
