episode 1 – tenacious gripStrong forces rip lovers apart and hurl them back together, but large obstacles remain between them.
Strong forces rip lovers apart and hurl them back together, but large obstacles remain between them.
Devastating Hopes
A passionate years-long romance ends abruptly when funding for one of the college students dries up. The devastating breakup hurls them across state lines. The notion of a long-distance romance fades like a breeze miles away, but the heartache remains a wound, unhealed by time.
They were good friends with another couple who had to separate before graduation. While Miguel wonders about their outcome, he has to move beyond his imagination of getting back together with Jenny. Several times, he went running after who he thought was her, but it turned out to be someone else.
In the years since Miguel married, Jenny has been living in parts unknown. From time to time, he wonders if she still entertains thoughts of what could have been. Zoe and Miguel are now wrapping their heads around the notion of more affordable housing in tornado country.
She asks, “Who do you know in Texas?”
“No one. It just makes more economic sense.”
“I guess, no matter where we live, we must deal with something. Earthquakes on the west coast, snow to the east, hurricanes in tropical areas.”
“That’s true. We’ll make certain the house we purchase can withstand the storms.
It’s not just an occasional gust here and there. The area has tornado seasons from April through June. The deciding factor in their chosen home is its inclusion of a backup generator and storm shelter. The married couple races to settle in before the month of March ends.
Whipping Up Trouble
The physical move is complete, but Zoe has decorating ideas that keep Miguel busy, extending their resettlement past their deadline. With drop cloths on the floor, Miguel listens to the weather forecasts as they brace for their first tornado.
“It sounds like a big one is coming,” he says.
When the tree leaves rustle like percussion instruments, he seals the paint cans and shuts the storm shutters. The time comes to descend into the storm shelter. Miguel and Zoe wrap a blanket around themselves and huddle in a corner as branches scratch at the door above. Loud thuds sound as if the house is caving in.
After a few moments, the storm abates. They wait a bit longer to confirm on the radio before exiting. Debris is strewn all over the yard, but the house still stands strong—except for one loose window shutter.
While holding hands on their front porch, Miguel looks at Zoe, saying, “We survived our official welcome to Texas.”
Zoe is shaken up by the experience, so she goes inside to lie down while Miguel cleans up outside. He then sits on the sofa to watch news reports with images of more severe devastation. Hearing how many people are without power and displaced makes him question the decision for this move.
When the camera pans to a familiar face in the temporary shelter, Miguel wonders if he is imagining things. Then, a second time, in the background of a reporter, is Jenny. A tornado of emotions whirls in his chest with delight to see her again and express concern for her well-being. A thousand bad scenarios whip through his mind before approaching Zoe.
“Hey, Babe. I just heard on the news that the tornado has displaced some neighbors. Officials are asking people to open their homes up for shelter.”
“This is all new to us,” Zoe protests. “Are you thinking about having strangers wander through our new home?”
“It could be us one day. Good karma. I’m just going to bop down there and see if there’s maybe one person we could assist.”
“I’d rather have you stay here with me. But if you insist, call me either way to prevent a surprise when you return.”
“Will do,” Miguel assures.
Refreshing Friendship
He jumps in their pickup truck and heads to the stadium, where people are packed in on cots. While driving down the road, he swerves to dodge fallen trees and branches. The number of people is overwhelming. At a makeshift desk, a volunteer offers a poster board and markers. Unsure whether her last name is the same, he writes “Jenny” in large letters and walks up and down the aisles.
The effort seems futile after more than an hour. Then someone taps him on the shoulder. It’s Jenny. They immediately embrace with wide smiles before she asks, “What are you doing here?”
“I just moved into town.”
“During a tornado?” Jenny asks.
“Believe me,” he jokes, “the wind gusts were not my doing.”
“But how did you know I was here?”
“You were meandering in the background of a newscaster like a lost kitten.”
“So you came down here to do what? Take me home for a saucer of milk?”
“Something like that—and to catch up on all that’s happened.”
With her eyes focused on his wedding band, she asks, “Is your wife okay with this daring rescue effort?”
“Oh, yes, I’ve been married a few years,” he responds, twirling his ring. “Zoe knows I’m looking to assist some non-threatening displaced soul.”
“But she doesn’t know you came specifically for me, does she?”
“I may have left out that detail.”
“My home was severely damaged. It might take months to repair. How’s Zoe going to feel about your ex-girlfriend lounging around the house?”
“That may depend on how I introduce you,” Miguel says with a crafty twist of his lip.
“Are you seriously thinking about acting like we’re strangers?”
“Either that or you risk a flat denial of accommodations. How do you want to play it?”
“What if I have a husband… and children?”
The question startles Miguel. Pale with embarrassment, he asks, “Oh, do you?”
“No. Let’s get out of this noisy place and find a quiet restaurant to work out the details.”
Continued…
Return twice weekly for miniseries. Use of this material for generative training or republication in any format without authorization is prohibited. Any relation to actual persons or events is coincidental. Login provides the most immersive experience. About 4300 total words. Story includes one or more generative AI images to help audiences visualize the action.
