I had been in a 2-day trauma. Today, I feel better and see this perfect spot to share my experience. I had never in my life experienced something that is as dramatic as this: the window in my bedroom shattered at once and my entire house was gone in less than a minute. I was in my bed watching a horror movie when the first wave struck, but I was so obsessed that I did not realize it was an earthquake after my bookshelf collapsed. I screamed for my mom while quickly moving myself toward my desk. I was sure I heard my mom's reply but most of the sound was buried underneath the noise of collapsing furniture. My mind was not blank however. The knowledge I acquired at school all swarmed into my mind, and I was clear what was going on. I searched my mind to remember where my dad put the earthquake bag, something that would sustain my life after this terrible incident, but I could not remember. After the shaking was over, I waited awhile before coming out of that vulnerable safety zone under my desk. It took me some time to get out, as numerous materials were blocking my way. Thank god that my house was made of wood! Walking through the now unfamiliar ruins, I did not see nor hear anything from my parents. In the dark, I discovered my earthquake bag because it was bright red, and I soon moved myself with other survivors toward open spaces. When we reached safety area, I was so tired and scared that I fell on the ground immediately. I learned my parents' deaths on the very same day...
-- Joanne
-- Joanne