The flood
Crickets chipped in the early evening, their tune carrying far on the gentle breeze. The light patter of rain began, it sprinkled the ground darkening the earth and sidewalks. The rain had never bothered Camille, her thoughts a million miles away from the approaching downpour. The family had all left the house, out on some random errand. She liked them gone, the house peaceful and quiet. The house still for once, a quiet reprieve from family life. The gentle rap of small drops was no cause for alarm. She sat in the window gazing out at the incoming gale. The fading rays of the sun shone lightly through the impending storm. Farther out just beyond one’s vision the clouds were dark and heavy, laden with moisture eager to burst forth. The heavy rain seemed a world away, as Camille sat alone with her thoughts. Small rivers of dirty water gathered at the curbs of the street. The streamlets slithered like murky snakes along their path towards the gutter. Leaves and small pieces of grass peppered the water's surface and flowed along the gutter then vanished into its darkened maw. She did not notice the first small signs that hinted at the ordeal she was about to endure. She sat content to watch the storm pass from the comfort of her home. The small rivers that graced the curbs suddenly started to deepen. Slowly at first, but then with a quickness. She sat still transfixed by the quaint scene viewed out the window. Quiet houses standing proudly in a simple neighborhood. The first hint that...