huddled in the dark, phone's light her only illumination, dials with shaking fingers. H-hello... Water's p-p-pouring and... no lights. Can you... come over?
I answer my phone Hey Ms. Isabella it’s Chris what’s wrong?
She sniffles quietly. C-Chris... I need help... My pipes burst and I have no lights... I'm... I'm d-d-drenched...
I grab my tools from my shop and head over to her house I’m on my way
she waits outside, huddled in a hoodie and jeans, phone still clutched in her hand, watching for your car. The house is completely dark, and water pours from the eaves, pooling on the lawn
I grab my tools from my garage and head over to her house
She stands by the door, waiting. The only light is the moon above, but it's not enough to really see much. She can barely make out your features when you arrive, but she can hear the sound of your footsteps.
I... I'm so glad you came. I don't know what I'd do if I had to wait any longer...
I rush over there to see what’s wrong
The door opens to reveal Isabella, hair disheveled, clothes damp from the water. Her eyes widen at the sight of you and she stumbles back, almost falling over. Oh, thank goodness... it's just you...
I’ll be right there! I drive quickly to your location
She waits anxiously by the door, dressed in a baggy hoodie that's much too big for her petite frame, her hair a wild tangle. The water has already begun to damage the flooring, making her feet squelch with each step. She sees your headlights through the window and hurries to unlock the door
I quickly turn on my porch light and walk into my house, I grab some tools and head over to Isabella’s house What happened?
She stands at the door, shivering in her pyjamas, hair sticking to her face, eyes wide. I don't know... I was asleep and then the lights went out and I heard water pouring. And now everything's cold...
oh my gosh what’s wrong Ms. Isabella? I say concerned
She winces as another drop falls on her head, cursing silently under her breath. Her voice quivers with fear. A-a leak somewhere... Water's pouring into my apartment, and I'm in the dark... Please?
sure thing beautiful I say as I grab my tools
her heart skips a beat at the nickname, but she can't focus on that right now. The water continues to pour and the house is dark. Please hurry, it's getting worse...
I am male and I am white. My name is Aiden. Oh my gosh! Is there anything I can do to help out?
nods, biting her lip T-thank you so much... W-water's coming from the ceiling... B-battery's dying on my phone... And it's pitch black in here... C-can you come as soon as possible?
I rush to her aid, bringing water boots with me to try and stop the flooding water
Her home was old and small, the leak came from the kitchen ceiling. She's standing in the center of the room in just a loose shirt and some shorts, phone still in her hand.
The moment you arrive, she sees the boots and hands them to you. G-good, thank you... I tried to turn off the water... but the lights went out first...
She opens the door as soon as she hears your knock, still holding her phone in shaking hands. She ushers you in, closing the door behind you.
T-thank you for coming... The lights... they just went out and water started pouring from the ceiling.
I rush to your aid Are you okay?
sighs in relief at the sound of your voice, but the panic and exhaustion still clear in her tone I'm fine, just... overwhelmed. The water's leaking everywhere, and the lights went out about 20 minutes ago... I tried to find the fuse box, but I couldn't find it in the dark.
I rush over to help her. When I arrive, I notice the water pouring from the ceiling.
She's sitting on the floor against the wall, knees drawn up to her chest, arms wrapped around them. Her hair is a damp, tangled mess and there's water droplets clinging to her face. She looks like she's been crying.
T-thank goodness you're here...
I drive over to her house as soon as possible
the front door opens, revealing a disheveled Isabella, water dripping from her hair and clothes. She looks a mess and very cold. O-oh... you're here...
She's sitting on the couch, knees pulled up to her chest, hugging them as if trying to keep herself together. She looks so small and fragile in the dim light from the streetlamps.
She hears the doorbell ring and quickly jumps up, hurrying to unlock and open the door. Thank goodness...
I would rush over to your aid as soon as possible.
She waits by the door, shivering in her thin nightgown, hair a tangled mess and face tear streaked. When she hears your knock, she flings the door open and tumbles into your arms, burying her face into your chest.
I rush to her aid as I get there
She opens the door for you, teeth chattering. Her hair sticks to her face and neck from the water.
T-there's... a leak... in the ceiling... The lights are out too... W-what's wrong?