Apocalyptic World: Surviving with my husband and my cute little babies
Chapter 51: Time is running out

Chapter 51: Time is running out

The shaking was intense, but after three minutes, it finally stopped without any aftershocks. In her past life, this earthquake had lasted at most a minute. This one lasted two minutes longer.

Elena had a sinking feeling that the upcoming disaster would be much worse than before.

After ten minutes of ducking under the table, they carefully stood to assess the situation in the mansion.

What they saw left them gasping.

The devastating power of the quake was evident; the mansion was in disarray, with cracked walls, shattered windows, and toppled furniture scattered across the floors. The once-beautiful grounds were devastated, with uprooted trees and debris littering the landscape.

"Wife, are you okay?" Ethan asked, concern etched on his face.

"I’m fine. How about you?"

"I’m good."

After checking on each other, they sprang into action, carefully maneuvering away from the broken glass that scattered on the floor.

Seeing the mansion in disarray, Ethan felt compelled to check the situation outside. He wanted to know if they could use a car. As he stepped outside, he saw that the road was cracked and uneven, with large fissures running through the asphalt. Some sections were completely blocked by fallen trees and debris, making it nearly impossible for vehicles to pass.

The subdivision was a mess, with homes destroyed and dust swirling in the air. People searched the rubble for their belongings, and some shouted for help. The streets were filled with cries and sounds of distress.

Returning to the mansion, Ethan relayed what he had seen to Elena. "Let’s check the news first. The road can’t be passed through yet, and I’m afraid the airport is closed right now."

"Go ahead and turn on the TV. I’ll try to contact Xander, Oslo, and the rest in the other city," Elena replied, her voice steady despite the chaos.

Meanwhile, the Caldwells and Fords were seriously discussing inside the space the strong earthquake that had just occurred outside.

After ten minutes, they sent Uncle Anthony to check the situation since Elena had not contacted them.

After confirming there were no aftershocks, Uncle Anthony assessed the damage and returned to the space to relay the situation. One by one, they emerged and headed to the living room to check the news.

"Grandson, thank goodness you’re okay. Where is Elena?" Grandpa Caldwell said, relief washing over him.

"Hmmp, she’s currently contacting Oslo and Xander" Ethan replied, still focused on the unfolding situation.

They listened intently to the news on TV. Aerial views of the damaged subdivision filled the screen, highlighting destroyed homes and roads. The city center was badly damaged, with many shops in ruins and glass scattered everywhere. Traffic was a nightmare, with no cars able to pass through.

Emergency services had set up help stations, and volunteers were handing out food and water to those in need.

The reporter continued, "The seismology department has reported that the shake registered a magnitude of 8.5. The epicenter of this earthquake is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, approximately 40 miles offshore, near the coast of northern Country X. What has shocked scientists is that this quake was felt all over the world."

Hearing this, everyone in the room felt a wave of alarm. This kind of magnitude was unprecedented in their generation.

"Grandson, the road can’t be taken due to heavy damage," Grandpa Caldwell said, his voice filled with concern.

"I know, but we have to keep moving. I have a feeling that after this, a new disaster will occur," Ethan replied, his brow furrowed with worry.

Elena had mentioned that a storm would emerge in a week, bringing heavy rains that would likely cause widespread flooding throughout the city.

The thought of rising waters added to the urgency of their situation, making it clear that they needed to act quickly to ensure their safety and reach City A before the storm hit.

"How about we use a helicopter?" Uncle Anthony suggested.

"Not everyone can use their helicopter for emergencies during a disaster. Usually, only authorized agencies can do that. Since all of us are retired from the military, they definitely won’t allow it," Grandpa Caldwell countered.

The group continued to discuss various ways to travel to City A, weighing their options amidst the uncertainty.

On the other hand, Elena used her [Telepathy] skills to contact the team and get updates on their situation.

"Sister-in-law, the streets around me are a mess," Oslo reported, his voice tinged with frustration.

He continued, "Thankfully, I’ve already stored most of the RVs that arrived, but some are still pending. As for the medicine we ordered for Miss Shantel, I’ve stored all of it. However, since we reordered the items, they got stocked in the road. I’m afraid cleaning this mess will take a lot of time."

"As long as you’re fine, I suggest you head home now. Don’t worry about it anymore," Elena advised.

"Okay," Oslo replied, relieved.

Next, she called Xander to check on his situation.

"Are you guys okay?"

"Sister-in-law, the building stood firm," Xander explained, his tone a mix of relief and concern.

Elena recalled that Camel Tower had been one of the few buildings that had withstood natural disasters in the past.

"There was some damage, but it’s still safe. The streets around here are a mess, with uprooted trees and several buildings down. Unfortunately, Ramon was hit by a falling brick, but it’s just a minor injury. We’re currently at the hospital."

Elena was worried about Ramon and said, "After the medical personnel treat his injury, leave the hospital and take his family to the apartment. Put them on the 28th floor. You have a brother and a sister, right? Bring them too. I have news that this disaster is just the beginning."

"Noted, sister-in-law. How about you and the chief? The news says that traveling by air is not an option, and the car can’t pass through," Xander asked, concern evident in his voice.

"Don’t worry, we’ll find a way. Just take care of yourselves," Elena reassured him.

After confirming that her people were safe, Elena made her way to her husband’s side. She wanted to share the updates, but seeing them deeply engaged in a discussion about the earthquake, she decided to wait. Instead, she joined the conversation.

"Then I suggest we take the road. Ethan and I can navigate it while you stay here for news and updates. I pulled you out at my entrance spot when we arrived in City A," Elena proposed.

"Wouldn’t it be dangerous for you to travel given the situation? Shouldn’t we stay here for a couple of days? Once the roads are cleared, we can travel safely," Grandma Ford replied, concern etched on her face.

"We have no time," Elena insisted, her urgency palpable.

She sensed that the storm would arrive sooner than expected, perhaps even before the week was out. She wanted to be in a secure place when it hit.

Ethan shared her urgency and quickly agreed, "Let’s do that. We’ll keep moving while you all stay here. Uncle and Aunt, I’ll leave Grandpa in your care."

They immediately began planning their route. Under normal circumstances, the drive would take at least twelve hours, but given the disaster, they estimated it would take a full day.

"The path will take us through three cities: City F, the coastal City C, and then City B. That’s the shortest route we have, so let’s prepare. We’ll leave in ten minutes," Elena instructed.

Grandpa Caldwell was worried but held back his fears, knowing that panic wouldn’t help. They had to adapt to the unfolding situation.

"Just remember to take care of yourselves."

And advised with steady voice, "Especially your wife; you have to ensure she is safe. Keep close contact and enter Paradise every hour; that’s my consensus. Otherwise, we’ll have to wait until the airport opens."

Ethan could see the worry in his grandpa’s eyes.

"Don’t worry, we will," he reassured him.

"Just don’t clean this mansion anymore. Take a good rest."

Ethan added with his tone firm.

"And don’t go outside. If someone knocks, just say we’re dealing with our own mess inside."

Everyone turned to Ethan, their expressions a mix of concern and understanding.

’They weren’t kids anymore; if anyone dared to covet their peace, they had firearms inside that would be enough to deter most intruders.’

Then, they just nodded in response.

Elena then chimed in to lighten the mood. "By the way, Grandpa, take little Mia to swim in the lake. She’s been talking about it for days and now thinks we’re liars."

Smiles broke out at the mention of Mia’s name, easing the tension. A few minutes later, Elena and Ethan exited the mansion and carefully walked down the street, searching for a safe path ahead.