Chapter 3

Morning gradually broke, and at last, the rain began to ease. The floodwaters slowly started to recede.

More and more evacuees arrived at the shelter, and everywhere, the sounds of survivors weeping after narrowly escaping death filled the air.

Natalie hadn't slept all night. Her face looked pale as she organized the day's rescue operations.

"Today's priorities are pumping out floodwater and clearing debris." She pointed to several locations on the map. "Move both high-capacity pumps to Building Five first."

Daniel frowned. "Director Strickland, Building Five sits on higher ground. The flooding there isn't that bad.

"Building Three is the lowest point in the neighborhood. The first floor is still underwater. We should pump that area out first."

Without even looking up, Natalie replied, "Building Five may be on higher ground, but the basement stores the community's important records.

"And Hayden's apartment still contains many of his late wife's belongings. If those are destroyed, it'll be a devastating emotional blow.

"As for Building Three, it's just old furniture. If it's ruined, we'll help residents apply for compensation later."

Daniel stared at her in disbelief. "But Emerson and Tyler are still in Building Three! What if they never made it to the second floor? What if they're trapped downstairs?"

Natalie's expression turned completely icy. "Daniel, are you questioning my judgment? I already told you Emerson isn't stupid. He knows how to protect himself. Sending people to Building Three now would be a waste of public resources.

"I'm the incident commander. If anything goes wrong, I'll take responsibility. Carry out my orders."

Daniel clenched his jaw before reluctantly turning to make the arrangements.

Watching Natalie's self-righteous expression, I almost laughed.

She'd always been like this. She could dress up the most biased decisions in the noblest excuses.

Community records?

Keepsakes?

In Natalie's eyes, even one photo album left behind by Hayden's late wife was worth more than the lives of Tyler and me.

Tyler leaned quietly against my leg. He wasn't crying anymore. He simply stared at Natalie as the love he'd once had for his mother slowly faded from his eyes.

"Daddy, Mommy said we're a waste of resources." His voice was barely above a whisper. "Does that mean... I'm garbage?"

My chest tightened so painfully I could barely breathe. I knelt and wrapped him tightly in my arms.

"No. You're Daddy's precious little boy. You're the most precious little man in the whole world. Your mommy is blind. We don't need her anymore."

Tyler nodded obediently. "Okay. I only need Daddy."

By noon, most of the floodwater had already been pumped out of Building Five.

Hayden returned to the basement with Natalie. Aviana was by his side. Digging through a cardboard box, he pulled out a photo album.

"Thank goodness. The pictures are all okay." Overcome with relief, he hugged the album tightly as tears filled his eyes.

Standing beside him, Natalie finally let out a long sigh. "I knew pumping this building first was the right decision."

She took out her phone and glanced at the screen. There were still no missed calls from me. With a cold snort, she slipped the phone back into her pocket.

"Emerson has really gone too far this time. He hasn't even bothered to let me know he's safe. Once things settle down, I'm making him write me a self-reflection."

Hayden wiped away his tears and spoke gently, "Don't be angry with Emerson. Maybe he's just upset with you. When you get home, talk it out with him."

"Talk it out?" Natalie frowned. "I've spoiled him too much already.

"The moment something doesn't go his way, he throws a tantrum. He doesn't act like much of a man. This time I'm not backing down first. He needs to realize he was wrong."

Standing behind them, I watched the confidence on Natalie's face. She was certain I was still huddled on the second-floor landing, holding Tyler and waiting for rescue.

She was certain that all it would take was one gesture from her, and I'd obediently go home.

Too bad she didn't know the truth.

She had locked the security door to our apartment from the outside herself. She'd insisted that with a hurricane approaching, we needed to be extra careful about break-ins.

When the floodwaters surged into the apartment, the pressure against the door was overwhelming.

No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't force it open.