Millions of In-Worlds

Chapter 15: Catastrophe

Ya could tell Momma was a good organizer. She jumped right in, and began givin' instructions. She sent us down the street ta use our new mind-readin' abilities ta find people who needed help but couldn't call out. In the meanwhile she went around organizin' the adults. It ain't just kids that get all discombobulated, grownups gotta get snapped out of it too.

We each took different sides of the street ta cover more ground. Freck mind-spoke ta ,me, "I hear somethin' comin' from the Smith house. Do ya think I should go in and find out what it is?"

"Maybe not yet Freck. Momma might want an adult ta go with you."

I was right. Momma overheard us, "Please do not go do that without supervision. Floors could give way, walls could crumble, and furniture might fall on you. Any misstep could make matters worse for someone we are attempting to help.

"I have contacted your daddies and they tell me that most of the men are already on their way back to their homes. Those who are not, are attending to injured fellow workers. Some small fires have started downtown. Men and women including Emma Anderton are scrambling to extinguish them before they get out of control. The women are gathering all the children together. They can keep a better watch on the group than on individuals. Some are staying with the kids to keep them safe, occupied, and away from danger. The rest are gathering needed supplies to bandage and comfort the injured. A few of us are working to close the gas lines going into the houses.

"Oh Wishes, here comes your daddy now. I will have him help with the gas line shut offs. You two continue your searching and report back, but remember do not under any circumstances enter a home alone."

We did as we was tol' and didn't go inside any houses. Momma was right. Some looked so unstable that a gust of wind might bring 'em crashin' down. Most of the yards were a big mess with branches, holes, and berms that weren't there before. The sidewalk was as broken up as the road. We had ta pick our way carefully through all the debris just to go from house ta house.

We listened with our ears and minds. Freck said, "I sure hope we don't miss anyone. If they're unconscious we won't pick up any thoughts, like when Ren was hurt in the cave. If we don't find them, they're gonna have to do a house-by-house search. By the looks of some these places a poke with a stick would take 'em down."

"Better not get tied in knots over that Freck. We don't know if anyone is missin'—yet."

Freck agreed, "Meantime do ya wanna go back and report on the Smith house? We know someone needs help inside. I'll stay here and keep listenin' in case there's anythin' more."

"Good thinkin' Freck. I'll go back and tell 'em."

We could've communicated the situation telepathically, but the only ones who could hear us would be Momma and Daddy. It would be quicker, but would raise eyebrows if folks realized what was really goin' on. Instead I got within shoutin' distance and yelled, "SOMEONE NEEDS HELP AT THE SMITH'S!"

Everyone, in what I decided to call Elm Street command central, heard me. Two men, Mister White, and Mister Davis looked up and then went inta their garages. They came out with ropes and flashlights.

Mister Davis was a farmer and musta come direct from the fields. He was wearin' striped overalls, and a red plaid shirt. Mister White was an accountant who worked for the bank. He left his suit jacket and tie at home, but still had on his shiny black shoes. They headed painstakingly over the ripped up road ta the Smith house. Freck was waitin' outside. They roped up cave explorer style. After a short discussion Freck went in first. That was prob'ly 'cuz she was the lightest and they could pull her up if'n a floor should collapse. The first man followed, then the second. I held my breath hopin' ever'thing was okay. In a few minutes Mister Davis came out carryin' Grandma Smith in his big farmer arms. She was conscious and waved to let ever'one know she was okay. Freck mind-spoke ta me, "She tripped on a step and twisted her ankle. She couldn't call out on account of a bad cold. Please get a couple of blankets. One for her ta sit on and one ta wrap around her,"