The Year Without a Summer by Arlene Mark

Author:Arlene Mark
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: SparkPress

Clara hurried out of school after their last class. Jamie ran in the direction of her house but didn’t see her, so he figured she didn’t want to be found. He’d done just what Mom had warned him about; he’d acted without thinking about the results. She always said it with a smile on her face, though. Dad said it too, but in a different way; that Jamie had to learn to take responsibility for his actions. And Dad never smiled when he said it. They were both right. What he had done during the debate against Clara was proof that he’d acted without thinking about the results. He had only himself to blame for feeling bad now. He’d figure out what to say, something to convince her that he was sorry. He knew how to debate, how to convince, so he’d explain everything to Clara. Things between them would be okay again. He turned and headed home.

He was surprised to see Mom’s car in the driveway. When he walked inside, she stood in front of the TV in the family room. She pointed to the screen. Lines of people were hurrying along a dirt road, carrying packs on their backs and pulling loaded carts. He moved closer to the TV. “What happened? Where is this?”

Mom motioned him closer. “The Philippine Islands. A volcano erupted. I think it’s called Taal. It was a level four out of five. People are saying it’s like the end of the world. Six thousand people were evacuated and told not to come back. Those poor families.” Her hands flew to her ears and covered them as if she could keep out more bad news. She’d had plenty of practice from watching scenes in Afghanistan. “They have no place to live. No flights are going out. People are trapped.”

Jamie couldn’t believe what he was hearing. They weren’t talking about a thousand years from now, like the scientists had predicted for the next big one. He had been joking about new volcanic eruptions just a couple of hours ago. Then he’d made things worse with that scene at the window and saying the class was safe. But the people in the Philippines weren’t safe. And there was no sun out. Just like after Tambora. Chills ran all over his body. This couldn’t be real.

“Mom, I have to call Clara.” He gave her a pat on the shoulder and headed to his room.

He punched in Clara’s number. “Clara, hi. Did you hear about the volcanic eruption? Yes, in the Philippine Islands. I don’t even know where they are. Yeah. It’s on TV now. My mom is so upset. I can’t believe we just talked about eruptions today.” This was his chance for the big apology, and he was ready, but she started in before he could tell her he was sorry.

He listened for five whole minutes and didn’t say a word while Clara pointed out all the jokes he had made about her important arguments.

“Yeah, you’re right. I-I-I’m sorry.

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