A blaring blast echoes into my dreams and wrenches me from sleep’s warm embrace. My hands frantically search for my glasses and the light switch. As the bright amber light fills the room my eyes fall on my alarm clock the numbers proudly proclaiming that it was two o'clock in the morning. The blaring shakes me back into the present drawing me into the living room where my TV was displaying an emergency broadcast message. One word was displayed in large bold letters


Run


My body snaps into action as my brain tries in vain to process the command still portrayed on my fifty-six-inch television. By the time I caught up with myself I was tying my shoes and grabbing two packed duffle bags. As I grab my keys and phone, my thoughts of my fiance who was staying over at her sister's house babysitting her nephews. The blast of frigid Indiana air greeted me as I yanked open my door and headed to the car. As the 2015 Nissan versa started up I called my fiance praying that she remembered to plug in her phone.

“What the hell’s going on babe? Are you ok? Why is the TV saying ‘Run’? What in the literal Fuck is going on? Are you ok?” the stream of frantic words drew a shy smile to my lips as I waited for her to take a breath.

“No clue. I'm fine. On my way to you. Get the boys ready and call your sister. Tell her to meet us at your mother's. I love you, I'll be there in fifteen.”


“Gotcha, love you too. See you soon.” the line clicked off and I gave my full attention to the road and looking out for possible...