Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Cousin(s) (05/22/08)
-
TITLE: The Storm | Previous Challenge Entry
By Ruth Neilson
05/26/08 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
“You were the one who came to me, Billy.” Susan reminded him sharply and turned to continue to peer out the window. “Remember, I didn’t want you to come, ‘cause this job is dangerous.”
He sighed and squinted as he tried to look through the rain. It was official; his older cousin was nuts—twisted even. The police radio was crackling next to him, and Susan held up her hand as the van of equality demented scientists fell silent.
“We’re in the middle of it...” Susan announced and Billy rolled his eyes, until she gave him the command.
“Stop, pull over. Sam, what’s your radar telling us?”
“It’s passing overhead. We got a strong hook echo…it’s got to be now or never,” the stocky man called, grinning widely.
As he spoke, the rain seemed to stop and someone mumbled a word that Billy was sure he never heard from any good southern Baptist before.
“Everyone out; all eyes on the sky!” someone ordered and there was a mass evacuation from the van except for Billy.
Billy stayed in his seat, watching the team. He had learned one thing from these people in the past few days—be ready to roll at any minute.
Susan’s dark grey eyes were searching the sky for something and then she lifted the camera to her face, calling. “We got a wall cloud!”
Billy grabbed the radio and keyed it, speaking. “Confirmed spotting of a wall cloud...” He began and the proceeded to rattle of their location.
He glanced up, and his green eyes grew large. There it was. Billy saw it slowly descend from the cloud and he laid on the horn, drawing his cousin’s attention. Wordlessly, he pointed towards the growing funnel crowd and despite not being able to hear what she said, it was easy to read her lips.
Another oath fell from her lips and simultaneously the team scrambled into the van. “Go Billy, go, go, go!”
He didn’t need any other encouragement. Without waiting for the door to slide shut, he shifted the van back into gear and hit the gas, turning the van away from the storm and Susan began to call directions—her eyes glued to the sky.
“There’s no outrunning this beast,” she called. Billy looked up, and uttered a similar oath to those already said. It looked as if a wedge shaped cloud had literally sat upon the earth.
“Find a ditch, Billy! Find us a ditch or something; we gotta get safe, now.”
He nodded and drove towards the sheeting rain, his eyes looking for the perfect spot for them to seek shelter.
THERE! A ditch, just off the road was perfect. He swerved, and pulled the van off the road.
The van emptied and seven bodies hit the sticky mud with a slap.
The wind was picking up and the sky was turning a sickly green color. A roar, like a train, filled Billy’s ears. He buried his head in the mud, praying that it would be over soon.
A giggle next to him caused him to look up in confusion. Susan’s lanky form was shaking, not from fear, but from her laughing.
It was official; his cousin was a twisted girl.
Once the storm passed, the team stood up and began to attempt the cleaning process. That is, everyone, but Susan. Instead, she stood there, staring up at the blue sky.
Softly, she began to quote, “He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.”
Dazed, Billy looked around at the destruction surrounding them and quietly began to sing, “When the oceans rise and thunders roar, I will soar with You above the storm. Father, You are King over the flood, I will be still and know You are God.”
They had what they needed. Now began the process of helping clean up and rebuilding lives.
~~
Psalm 107:29 (NIV)
Still By Reuben Morgan Copyright: © 2002 Hillsong Publishing
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
I agree that the Bible evrses at the end added a nice touch to this story. Thank you for sharing.