Millions of In-Worlds

Chapter 11: Caving

It was way early. We got back from the party purty late. It was really much too early in the mornin' for a jarrin' wake up. I sat up straight in my bed. My vibratin' body was movin' faster'n my woozy head. Ever'thin' seemed okay, but if that was true, what woke me up? I looked around my room. Some thin's like the water glass I left on the table was tipped over. There was books on the floor. The curtain rod with my old Red Rider curtains was at an odd angle. Once my sleep-clogged head cleared, I figured it out. It musta been one of those strange earth quakes. Do they call 'em Kingdom quakes here? Anyways It was over now.

"Uncle Ren", I called out.

"I am out on the front porch. Looking for the green and purple rays. "

I joined him on the porch. Lots of times you cain't tell what a grownup is feelin' unless they're mad at ya. Ya always know when they're angry. It don't take no mind reader ta figure that out.

Ren's pinched eyebrows, the staring eyes, and frown told me all I needed to know about his state of mind. He was worried. Shaken up and worried. His dark hair was all cattywumpus. I'd never seen him without every hair in place. Then he stood stock still as a kingdom-wide telepathic message came in. "Be calm. The disturbance you felt was strong, but not damaging. We have not received any reports of injuries, yet. If any one is hurt, or needs help, let us know immediately."

"Did ya see the streaks Ren?"

"No, they were gone by the time I came out."

"It's gettin' worse ain't it?"

"It's hard to say, Wishes. I think we have had some just as big."

I turned at the sound of a footfall on the squeaky steps. It was Freck. Ya know, she looked like sumpin' the cat dragged in. Last night she was a princess. Today all sleep disheveled, yawning, and with smeared makeup on her face, it was hard ta see the princess in there.

"Was that what I think it was?" She croaked. The first thing you say in the mornin' always sounds weird.

Ren spoke, "If you think it was an earth tremor, you are right."

She came up and sat on the porch swing b'side me. Ren was sittin' in the wooden rocker. For a moment no one said anythin'.

"I almos' fell out of my bed," she said matter of factly.

"Oh, there you are." It was Mizzus Anderton. As she came up the sidewalk in her blue plaid bathrobe, curlers in her hair, and gray slide-in fuzzy slippers, she spoke ta Freck, "I sort of wondered where you'd got yerself up to. I had a pretty good notion, so's I came over here. And here you are. "Are y'all okay?"

"We are Emma," said Ren. We are just taking a minute to calm our jittery nerves."

"I could brew up some coffee, and whip up some hot cocoa for the kids. Would y'all like that?"

Ever'body nodded. Hot chocolate sounded 'specially good ta me.

"Is it okay if I use your kitchen, Wishes? That way I won't have ta juggle four steamin' mugs while luggin' 'em over here."

Of course it was okay. I don't know why she even had ta ask. Ain't we all's family?

In just a bit she called, "Freck would ya please come in ta he'p me serve?"