In The Midst Of It All

By Jennifer Maddox

Science fiction meets fantasy with a western theme in this novelette by Jennifer Maddox. This work is definitely one of a kind. Readers will yearn for more. Tragedy has no limits, and a catastrophe has no boundaries. Just when Sya escapes such wrath, she comes to learn that some things are inevitable. Sya survived something she knew she shouldn't have, and after continuing to live, she questions her miracle: What is life when you no longer feel like you are living?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jennifer Maddox
• Release date: Aug 11, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310295126

Jennifer Maddox

Jennifer Maddox is a fiction writer who specializes in a variety of genres. Her first two novels It Is What It Is and Woman to Woman were founded in urban fiction and drama. Recently she has dabbled into science fiction, fantasy, and erotica. She has also contributed to Women fiction magazines in New Zealand and Australia. Jennifer prides herself in writing stories that imitate real life, while entering into a world that challenges her to heighten her creativity. Jennifer’s readers love that she keeps them yearning for more.

Book preview

In The Midst of It All

A Novelette

Jennifer Maddox

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2014 Jennifer Maddox

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission by the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical article or reviews.

Ebook formatting by www.ebooklaunch.com

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter One

Dust was yet to come, but dark clouds quickly invaded the sky, overshadowing the sun. Without warning, the wind blew forcefully, knocking down anything in her path. The earth trembled, and hail poured from the sky, as the water from the Atlantic Ocean escaped onto the land. Before I could comprehend what was happening, I felt someone grab my arm abruptly. With no time to react, I found myself limp, while being dragged across the ground. After minutes of having the earth scratch my scrawny legs, I felt myself being lifted and stuffed into a small area that was surrounded by four cemented walls, with one small window opening. I hid my face in my lap, trying to escape the debris that was seeping through the opening. Next to me was my father, hovering over me as he breathed heavily. Since my eyes were shut tight, I only recognized him by his unique scent. I knew my father and I were not alone: I could sense additional fear. We all sat there quietly, awaiting to know our fate. I found comfort knowing that my father was here. Mother Nature was showing her wrath, and she was willing to destroy anyone who dared to get in her way. I won't lie: I was scared. This was as scared as I ever had been, but at least was my father was there. He would protect me even if it meant him dying to do so.

Time seemed to stop as we sat there in darkness. Even after the noise ceased, we remained in place. No one said a word. We just waited longer. It was too dark to see each other, but I am sure everyone had the same aloof look on their faces. No one could make sense of what had happened. We had all seen rain before, and even experienced some terrible storms. But no one had ever seen Mother Nature display herself in this form. It almost felt like the world was ending.

When we could no longer wait in silence, we collectively decided to come out of hiding. I think no one initially left out the safe haven because they were too afraid of what they would discover. After we were sure the threat was long gone, we all helped each other get out of the structure. I held onto my father's shirt as he led us home. I remember hearing moans as we made our way through the swampy water. Although I stand five feet and five inches tall, I was nearly swallowed by the cool water that reached my waist. I could not see clearly, but I could feel myself rubbing against dead bodies, dead animals, trees, and various objects. I felt so frightened and fatigued. I did not think that I would be able to keep going, but my father kept urging me to continue following behind him. With tears in my eyes, I followed, wanting this day to just be over. As I walked, I could hear screaming and crying. Perhaps others were having trouble taking this journey as well. I looked back, but I was unable to see much. It was as if everything and everyone had disappeared. The sky was so dark, and there was not much light. I had no choice but to keep moving.

Chapter Two

After trying to sleep my confusion away, I finally can bring myself to accept the reality that my father revealed to me, days ago. My father told me that a very large asteroid exploded over our island without warning, killing several people. The amount of energy that was released in the explosion was speculated to be nearly eight-hundred kilotons. I was deeply saddened when I