An announcement over the store's speakers

(chapter originally by doragom333 on writing.com)

"Attention shoppers," the loudspeaker rang.

"Oh no... what now?" Marie groaned. The way the day had gone for her this sudden change was forboding, at best.

"The sudden storm that recently came through has blown away," it continued.

That was actually good news! That meant that as soon as Marie found some cover, she could get the heck out of there without having to worry about the weather. But her hopes of smooth sailing were shaken up as the announcement continued.

"Also, in relation to these events..."