gathering up

Natalie felt she was in a horror movie, trying to get down the dark hallway. She kept listening for any outside warnings as she tightened her group to Joon's hand. The crash of thunder shook her to the bone.

They met Dustin and Holly in the stairwell. To her surprise, Holly was practically mute. They pushed on as it began to get crowded. Some spoke of the tornado last year around this time.

"I'm not taking chances this time," one older woman said she'd been frying chicken the time the power went out. "I only go out for fried chicken now."

Natalie couldn't help but smile, a little. She didn't even like frying chicken in normal circumstances. Suddenly, she felt at ease when they all got down to the basement.

Joon mentioned he wondered how long the power would be out. He wasn't worried so much about the tornado now even the hail.

"I don't want to have to go to the hospital," Holly said rather loud, as if everyone should know she was pregnant.

Natalie looked around at the small crowd of people. She knew there was more of them, but they'd stayed in their apartment. She let out a small sigh, thinking this was not the way she wanted to end it. She wasn't quite sure how to feel on her own like this with only Joon to rely on. She reached for her Android.

"Don't call your grandmother, now." Joon said. "We'll got see her tomorrow."

She wasn't sure if he sounded that hopeful.

"She's gonna be awake." Natalie was sure of it as she direct dialed. Of course, the phone rang for some time, but her grandmother finally answered.

"Are you OK?" She asked.

"What's the matter." Her voice sounded raw and tired.

"Our power went out and the sirens went off," Natalie told her as she noticed she'd come all the way barefooted in her panties and nightshirt.

"My power is still on." Her grandmother finally told her. She'd gone to sleep in her favorite recliner while watching the news. She didn't sound frightened at all. "Just be patient." was all her grandmother could offer. Her grandmother was glad Joon was with her.

Her grandmother was so calm. Storms didn't seem to bother her while Natalie was afraid she might hyperventilate if she had to stay in the crowd much longer.