Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

The sky looked like it had split open, pouring rain in endless sheets.

Under the eaves, the rainwater dripped in long, glittering strands, turning everything outside into a blurry watercolor. The village didn't have paved roads- just muddy paths that were now nothing but slick puddles. Every step pulled at your boots, making you feel like you had to use every ounce of strength just to move forward.

Willow's husband had gone to the market in town that morning. When he came back, he was soaked and covered in mud, his boots caked in yellow-brown sludge. He handed Willow a bag of fresh beef and ribs, dropped his umbrella by the door, and started changing out of his muddy shoes.

Willow took the groceries into the kitchen, then turned to Allison. "Allison, why don't you and Brooklyn stay a few more days? It's not safe to go out in weather like this, and the roads are a mess."

Allison stood on the porch, frowning at the endless gray curtain of rain. "I just got a text. My flight's been canceled because of the storm."

Willow nodded. "It's always like this during the rainy season. Every year, we get a week or so where it just pours nonstop."

Allison watched the rain with a worried look.

Willow tried to reassure her. "Don't worry. I know our place isn't fancy, but you won't go hungry or cold. Sit tight—I'll go cook up some spicy beef and braised ribs

for you."

Allison managed a tired smile. "Thank you. That's really sweet of you."

Willow waved it off with a grin. "It's no trouble. I was actually worried I wouldn't be able to take care of you properly."

Outside, the rain only picked up, hammering at the house with no sign of stopping.

Before long, the weather service sent out a red alert for severe storms.

The rain didn't stop for three days and three nights.

On the third night, thunder shook the whole house and lightning flashed outside. Allison woke up to the storm and the sound of voices coming from downstairs. She and Brooklyn were sharing the guest room upstairs, while the living room, kitchen, and storage were all on the first floor.

Allison slipped on a jacket and stepped out into the hallway, stopping at the top of the stairs to listen.

water's coming in-stack those boxes higher!" Willow's

shut off the main power? We can't risk

the floor in the kitchen. Put it

saw water already pooling across the floor. Willow and her husband

paused. "Allison, why

need help?"

no, go back upstairs and rest. It's just a bit of water,

power off, there were no lights-just the shaky

of the stairs, looking around at the

the water, which was already

frowned. "Has

her head. "Only once, five years ago, was it this bad. I really didn't think it would happen again. I'm sorry, Allison-I

okay," Allison said quietly.

box. "Can you take this up to the

bent down

of her pocket and

gasped, quickly fishing it out. Allison wiped it off and tried to turn it on, but nothing happened. Shee

working?"

Allison shook her head.

are stopped, trains and flights are all canceled... We're stuck here, and there's

to call home and let them

I'm really sorry, Allison. I never expected a flood. I didn't mean for you to

The rescue teams

***

next morning, Brooklyn had just woken up

grabbed it and stared at the screen. "What? It's only got one percent battery. I charged

still a little power left. I just need to

it over. Allison scrolled through her contacts and