Disasters and how people make them better

We are here. We are safe, we are well. The recent storms seemed to knock out a good deal of U. City but our little house only lost power for a few moments. I was in South County and after spending some time clearing and checking to see if roads were opened, I made it home after the first storm. People were panicing even on that first night; filling gas stations and grocery stores which didn't have the power to cope. I went to sleep, imagining that everything would be fine by the next day.

Everything was not fine. People were still without power, the heat was scorching and, to a couple, deadly. We called around a little to offer our spare, air conditioned space. A family from Tim's lab came to us. A few others said they would brave it out, moving downstairs or into basements to sleep.

Yesterday things seemed to be looking up. Much of the city was back on again, or looking like it would be soon. Then we had another storm rip through. More power out, I noticed that our roof shingles didn't look as sturdy as they ought. I was still supposed to be working on a couple of mall jobs.

When the weather calmed I headed out to the Mills mall to find it dark, yet the doors were open and some people were wandering deserted corridors under butterflies and flowers left in the darkness. Some enterprising coffeee shops were still open. I headed to the Gallaria. It was swarming with people, too busy for comfort. I did the job I needed to do with Viderick's assistance and we ran over to Clayton for coffee. I needed one more thing before Carbondale, a single business card from an optician on a side street. While turning onto the side street (I was stopped, indicating and otherwise behaving as a good motorist should) a white transit van drove up my trunk.

Viderick was hurt, I was shaken. Despite my best hopes I think my car is now dead. There is no trunk left, the crumple went right up to the rear windshield. I can see the fuel tank. It took more than two hours for the police to deal with their stuff and the tow truck to arrive. It was six o'clock before I was home and could tell Teabringer. Viderick and I went out drinking...there was little else for it. I owe him more thanks than I can give for staying with me and holding my hand throughout (even through dealing with insurance companies-above and beyond) and cheering me with thoughts of a new car when I looked unsteady. I think we were very lucky it wasn't worse.

So tonight there will be a party and we will celebrate how good it is to be alive, and with good freinds.

Lets hope all the power is back on again soon.