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.

coming in-stack those boxes higher!"

shut off the main power? We can't

help me get everything off the floor in the kitchen. Put it on the table so it

and saw water already pooling across the floor. Willow and her husband were wading through it, trying

her and paused. "Allison, why

you need

and rest. It's

were no lights-just the shaky beam of a flashlight

bottom of the stairs, looking

full of supplies, sloshed through the

frowned. "Has

shook 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 never meant for you to get

okay," Allison said

"Can you take this up to the living

course." Allison bent down

phone slid out of her pocket and disappeared into the

out. Allison wiped it off and tried to turn it on, but nothing happened. Shee pressed the

working?" Willow asked,

Allison shook her head.

to do? The flood's blocked the roads, deliveries are stopped, trains and flights are all canceled... We're stuck here, and there's no way to get a new phone.

phone to call

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

teams should be

***

woken up

screen. "What? It's only got

I

it over. Allison scrolled through her contacts and called