Tornado Season

“If there really was a tornado, more people would be on their porches watching.” Matt held the door open and they both looked out.

“Well, go on then. Let’s see.” 

Katrina nudged him a little. The water hitting the concrete wet their ankles, but the big porch gave them plenty of cover if they stood to the side. The wind was powerful. It cut the thick humidity with a damp coolness. The tree limbs spun in wild circles. 

The rain shot forward in waves as the wind grew even more intense. 

Blaring alarms from the National Weather Service shouted for attention. 

Katrina looked up from her phone. ”Oh my God, Matt. This could be really bad.”

She moved around him to the door. It was a struggle to open with the wind blowing so hard against it. “Matt, get in here!” 

“Just a second, I want to see if I can find any funnel clouds in the lightning flashes.”

A tremendous flash blazed in the sky, lighting up the entire porch and a booming thunder clap shook the windows. Matt and Katrina both jumped, and she didn’t have to ask him again to move inside. 

The power flickered and then went out. 

“Let’s head back to the wall, away from the windows. I’m sure this will pass quickly.” Matt grabbed Katrina’s shaking hand. “Relax. It’s gonna be just fine.” 

“I know, but what if it’s not.” She leaned into him. 

Bang! Flash! Everytime the thunder clapped they both stalked, and then began laughing at their own fear.

“Matt! Stop it! You’re scaring me!”

“I can’t help it! This is terrifying!” They fell into a fit of giggles, still gasping at each frightening sound.

The sirens turned off first. The wind slowed. Space grew between the thunder and lighting. 

“I think it’s over,” Matt kissed Katrina on the forehead and chuckled one more time. 

Katrina called her parents, and Matt texted updates to friends. “You know Jim? He said he’s on the way over with his chainsaw to help clear the roads. I’m going with him. Sit on the porch and wait with me until he gets here.” 

They were quiet, listening to the still heavy raindrops hit the roof. Peaceful and serene. Headlights turned down the path, and Matt stood. 

“Love ya, babe. Stay here, don’t go out on those roads.” 

“Love you, too. Text me if you have to stop and clear anything. And drive by your mom’s place.” 

They parted ways. Matt ran out to the truck, disappearing into the night. 

That was the last time they saw each other. 

The two men had stopped to clear a tree on a main road. They didn’t realize a power line was down. 

After some time, Katrina forgave herself for letting Matt leave that night. It wouldn’t have made sense to do anything else. 

It took longer for her to find someone new, but that happened as well. One evening when she could hear the rain falling outside their window, she told him about that night. 

“The storm didn’t change anything. I knew who he was a long time before and already loved every moment with him. It was just a beautiful way to let go.”

“Will you ever love me like that?” her new partner asked.

“I already do. Matt just showed me how.”