Rebirth Into My Second Chance

Lydia glanced out the window, worry etched on her face. "Ms. Claire, it seems elderly folks are living in those houses. Should we warn them?"

I checked the digital clock in the car and the packed seats around us. All I could manage was, "Crack open the windows and warn about the flood. Someone try calling the local emergency services and let them know to prioritize these seniors."

In the face of disaster, I realized the limitations of what we could do. My priority was to ensure the safety of those with me first and, if possible, extend help to others after. So, we drove away from those homes.

We finally reached our designated safe spot, which was already full of people. As we emerged from the cars, laden with food and water, eyes turned toward us. Our group, complete with maids and security in uniform, stood out among those who had fled with nothing. "We'll just keep enough food and water for ourselves. The rest we'll give to the elderly and the kids."

I instructed the security team. We settled on a patch of ground, and soon, more people arrived, jostling around, children crying, and some even brought along their livestock.

"Downstream is already flooded, and there's a power outage. No telling how many couldn't evacuate in time," one of the bodyguards muttered, scrolling through his phone.

I took the device from him. "Has Claude not called back?"

he was busy with engagement preparations. His ambitions always took precedence, and

who sounded frantic. "Claire?

to know I

rescue team? We're at the Elmwood Springs Fire Department's evacuation center." Richard sounded worried. "God, Claire,

chaos, he was the constant who cared for my

place, but couldn't find you. I was about to

lot of people here," I started,

Someone's keeping an eye on you, right? Wait for me!" Richard likely hadn't

I reassured Richard, catching the maid's suspicious

ending the call without giving away

in a twisted

saw children' quietly resting in their moms arms while others cried for home. I had lost a child myself, and my heart went out