Progressive 03
Where The Storm Rages
The wind whipped through the trees, rattling windows and howling like a wild animal. In the Thompson house, Lauren was packing boxes while her husband, Mark, carried them to the car. Across the street, the Johnsons were boarding up windows and stacking sandbags. The sky was dark, and the trees bent with every strong gust of wind.
“You’re really leaving?” Clara Johnson called from her porch, her voice rising above the gusts.
“Yes. This storm could be the worst in years!” Lauren replied, her hands shaking slightly as she secured a box.
Clara folded her arms. “We’ve faced hurricanes before. No need to panic. My family has stayed through worse.”
“It’s not panic,” Lauren said. “It’s being prepared. I can’t risk my kids’ lives!” She glanced at her children, who were putting on rain boots and jackets.
Clara shook her head. “You’re scaring everyone. My kids keep asking if we’re going to die because they heard your son say the house might flood.”
Lauren’s face flushed. “I’m protecting my family. You should do the same. What if you underestimate it?”
Mark carried the last box to the car. “Let it go, Lauren. We’ve made our decision.”
But Lauren couldn’t let it go. “How can you be so calm? What if this is the one storm you can’t handle? What if you’re wrong, Clara?”
Clara replied firmly, “And what if you’re wrong, Lauren? We’ll be safe here. We’ve got supplies, a generator, and a strong house. We’re not leaving just because the TV says so.”
Lauren sighed, feeling a mix of fear and frustration. “I just can’t imagine staying inside and doing nothing while the storm gets stronger.”
The tension was clear. From inside, Clara’s husband, Dave, called, “Clara, leave it alone! Let them do what they want.”
Clara glanced at her kids, trying to stay calm. “I just hope you’re not teaching them to be afraid of everything.”
Lauren turned away, biting back tears. “And I hope you’re not teaching yours to ignore danger because you think you’re invincible.”
The two families parted in silence, each certain the other was wrong. Lauren drove away with her children, watching the dark clouds swirl above their neighborhood. The wind rattled the car windows, and the rain began to fall in sheets.
That night, the Thompsons stayed in a motel inland, listening to the storm roar outside. Lauren’s children huddled under blankets, but she kept watching the news on her phone. Relief washed over her knowing her family was safe, yet Clara’s calm voice echoed in her mind.
Meanwhile, the Johnsons huddled in their living room, listening to the wind batter the house. Clara lit lanterns and played a board game with her children to keep them occupied. She peeked outside occasionally, checking the sandbags and shutters. Despite her nerves, she felt proud that her children were staying calm.
By morning, the storm had passed. The Johnsons’ house was mostly unharmed, with only a few broken branches in the yard. Clara called Lauren, who hesitated before answering.
“Hi, Clara,” Lauren said softly.
“We’re fine. You were right about one thing—it was scary. But we made it,” Clara said.
Lauren exhaled, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude. “I’m glad. I didn’t want to be right about anything bad happening.”
“Maybe we’re both a little right and a little wrong,” Clara admitted. “We just see things differently.”
Lauren smiled. “Maybe. I’m just glad you’re okay.”
The storm had tested their friendship, but it also gave them a new understanding of each other. Both families realized that preparation, calm thinking, and respect for others’ decisions were important lessons to carry forward.
Comprehension Questions
Why did Lauren decide to leave her house?
Why was Clara calm during the storm?
What disagreement did Lauren and Clara have about the storm?
How did the two families experience the storm that night?
What lesson did Lauren and Clara learn from the experience?
Your Thoughts
Do you think Lauren and Clara were both right? Why or why not?
How would you act in a similar situation with a dangerous storm?
Why is it important to understand other people’s perspectives, like Lauren and Clara did?
