THE GREAT STORM OF ’13: A SURVIVOR’S STORY

For me, it was just another Wednesday. With meetings, video-shoots, and a strict writing schedule to maintain, I was looking forward to productivity.  The rumblings of fierce thunder and persistent hail woke me up in the early morning hours, but when I caught my first glimpse of the outside world I saw just a pestering rain and a gloomy sky.  After my morning routine, I dashed out into the elements, turned on my car, and drove off.
As I hit the Powhite Parkway, I noticed that there was something off, something not quite right.  I couldn’t  put my finger on it, and was ruminating the uneasiness I felt.  It was when the first snowflake landed that it came to me:  the road was empty.  As soon as this realization hit me, the sky opened up and I was plunged into the depths of a vicious blizzard.  My hands gripped the wheel tightly and I thanked God that I was driving a trusted AWD Subaru.  As a former Clevelander, I put on a bravado and navigated the slippery road, determined to make it to work and to make it on time.
By the time I reached the office on Midlothian Turnpike, the snow had piled up to at least 4 inches.  I bundled my coat, grabbed my belongings, and lunged out of my car, racing to the door.  I swipped my electronic key and was confused when I didn’t hear the familiar beep signaling my entrance.  Unwilling to freeze, I ran to the front door, pulled it open, and was swept inside, leaving a swoosh of wind and snow in my trail.
Darkness greeted me.  So did Betty, Jason, and Rod.  I didn’t have to ask–the power was down.  My first priority was to grab a cup of coffee before it got cold.  I cautiously walked down the unlit hallways, using my nose to follow the scent of the coffeemaker.  I blindly poured sugar and creamer into my mug, and took a sip.  Still hot.
I went back up front.  More B&B employees had gathered. We looked out the windows.  We were all calm at first.  But as time went on, things began to unwind.  What I’m about to recount to you is the brave story of how B&B (barely) survived  the great storm of ’13.
9:15am: The last of the coffee was gulped down.  Attempts to connect the extension cord from the generator to the coffeemaker were unsuccessful.  This should have been the first sign that pandemonium was about to set in.
9:20am: News that Midlothian Turnpike was shut down made our hearts sink.  The feelings of being trapped was on the top of everyone’s mind.
9:32am: Charlie ties sled to back of Ricky’s truck in efforts to reduce stress and enjoy the snow while he can.
9:38am: Ricky drives Charlie to the hospital.
9:50: Greg finds a coat hanger and disappears into the cafeteria to manipulate the vending machine.  His coat hanger skills are not as good as he thought.
10:02:  I’ve tried to type on my computer five different times.  I realize insanity is starting to set in.
10:14: Jason and Rachel start a fire upstairs to stay warm.  Jan reminds them that the heat still works.
10:29: We see Steve outside eating snow to stay hydrated.  Betty brings him a glass of water and tells him everything is going to be ok.
10:42:  Tom loses it and goes streaking in the parking lot.  He immediately regrets his decision.
10:55:  We use our smartphones to send our final video messages to our families as we realize that hope is futile.  Our loved ones  laugh at our “joke.”
11:20:  Sandy is the first to brave the storm, affirming that she will report the conditions.
11:21:  We don’t hear from her.  What is she doing?
11:40:  I look around.  Tom is shivering in the corner.  Rod is eating coffee grounds.  Brian is running around laughing maniacally.  I rock back and forth, questioning if this really is the end.
11:42:  The power comes back on.  We all look at each other, adjust ourselves, and find our ways to our desk.
It was as if nothing happened.
It was just another Wednesday.
**All parts of the story are fictional.  Don’t worry, everyone remains unharmed, both mentally and physically!**