Your son helps you to the car

Dan hugged Laura tight. "We'll figure this out," he consoled. "I've got a little money saved. We can get a hotel for the night and figure something out in the morning."

Laura gave him a rib-cracking hug back as she pulled Dan in close. "I'm just glad you're safe," she said with a smile as she pulled away from him a little.

Dan flushed a little and looked away. "I'm glad you are too. I hope we can get some things from the house soon," he muttered as he looked up.

Three paramedics wheeled a gurney toward the collapsed house next to theirs. The Parkers lived there for a number of years. She wondered if everyone was okay. "Should we stick around?" Dan asked.

"I don't know," Laura admitted. She took a deep breath took a step back. Her eyes swept over the milling group of people and news crews setting up near the barricade.

"We... could call your sister," Dan suggested.

"I would rather not." That was one person she didn't want to call for help. Her sister had helped her enough as it was and she never wanted it again.

"She might be able to help."

"Maybe," she replied with a sigh as she ran a hand through her hair. "I... need to think about that... option first." It wasn't an option. She didn't want to speak with her at all.

"What will we do?" Dan mumbled to himself as he looked at what remained of their home.

"We'll figure it out. We always have," Laura answered in a low voice. "Oh... dear," she gasped.

Two paramedics wheeled a black body bag, strapped to the gurney, between them as they moved away from the Parker house. The male paramedic looked nervous. "Someone didn't make it," Dan muttered aloud.

"Folks, we need you to clear out," Officer Thomas called out to them as he approached at a brisk walk. "One of our men thought the ground might have shifted," he continued as he reached into his pocket. "Ma'am," he said as he offered two cards to Laura. "The top card is my number if you need anything. The second card is a number for the Red Cross Emergency Line. They might be able to help you. Here, let me escort you out," he offered as he placed a light touch on Laura's arm.

Officer Thomas led them to the barricade as other officers ushered other groups toward the main street. "Thank you," Laura said as she clutched the two cards tightly in her hand.

"My pleasure, ma'am. Sir," he continued with a nod to Dan. He smiled again at Laura before walking over to a group of officers.

"We'll take my car," Laura said as she took one last look at their home.

"I could follow you," Dan offered.

"No, I want you with me. Sorry, but I don't want to be alone right now."

"No problem, mom," he answered with a smile.

Laura strode toward her car, parked in the opposite direction from where he parked. "We... might need to call her," she admitted after a minute of walking.

"I can make the call," Dan offered. Laura looked back at him before giving him the barest of nods. Dan got out his phone as she unlocked the door on the driver's side of her car. She got in and unlocked the door for him.

Patricia and Laura had never seen eye to eye. A party girl at heart, Patricia became the black sheep of the family. Before their parents passed away, she and her sister were close. However, Patricia never came to their parent's funeral. Laura knew her sister was on a ****-induced bender and simply forgot to show up. She'd never forgiven Patricia for that.

"Do you have a moment, auntie?" Dan asked with a glance at his mother. Laura gave him a raised eyebrow but didn't comment.

"Auntie, our home partially collapsed. No, we weren't in the house when it happened. Yes, Laura and I are okay. No, that's why I'm calling."

Laura turned on the engine and started to release the parking brake.

"Do you... know of anywhere we can stay? I know, the last time we talked, that you said you were going to buy up some real estate," Dan hesitantly asked. Laura shot him a hard look.

Dan looked sheepish as he pursed his lips. "Anything you can do," he said. "I don't want to ask for anything, if possible... but, well."

Dan listened for a little longer before staring down at his phone.

"Well?" Laura asked, her tone light.

"She might have an idea for us, but... well... we're on our own."

"That's okay too, we have each other."