Storm Emilia

Storm Emilia 

A great big ball of wind was rolling down the pavement toward me. I staggered under its might. The gale was blasting against me and anyone challenging it. I bent under its force with my head as low as it could go. I tried charging it, but it knocked my breath from me. I was gasping and couldn't take it anymore. I realized my eyes were closed and I forced them open into slits, searching for cover. Two men–one in a pumpkin orange vest that was clearly visible–had taken refuge in a covered alcove to the left. I battled the wind one step at a time until I joined them. I filled my lungs and recharged.

Another young women who had been just a few feet behind me stepped off the same course to save herself with us. The men stayed content in the background while us women put our heads or hands out at intervals to see if the wind's fury had been placated. At a certain point, we both decided to brave the wind even though it was still blowing. We looked at each other and then pushed back into the storm, leaning into it as we tried to run. Light sprinkles had begun to accompany the wind. 

I knew the wind and rain would only get stronger, so my urgency to get home only increased. The flimsy trees lining the avenue bowed to the wind's mighty will. I had never seen them so pliable, their palm heads whisking around so much that they reminded me of shaken barbies with dangling hair.

Bars and restaurants were teaming, people swarming the streets with drinks and laughter. The storm didn't seem to make a dent in their Friday night fun. I, on the other hand, just wanted to get home and stay there–some respite from being thrashed about.

Finally, I arrived home and shut the sibling sounds of the gale and breathed in the semi-silence of the entrance to my apartment building. But as soon as I reached my apartment I peered out the window at the great temper tantrum outside. Quite a few people were still braving it. The air molecules were dancing with electric excitement, creating a bizarre and elated atmosphere.

The storm carried on into the next morning. I slid open the window first thing to see the thrashing outside. Only one or two people were out then, unsure of their steps on the wet pavement.

Photo: Pixabay

Text: Kristen Mastromarchi