Chapter 2- Reunion

From his vantage point nestled within the tree's trunk, Jacob observed a tornado gradually taking shape in the sky, reaching down towards the earth. The winds intensified, causing weaker trees to be wrenched from their roots and hurled into the air by the powerful gusts. As the tornado descended closer to the ground, the frequency of lightning strikes surged, accompanied by deafening thunder that reverberated through Jacob's ears, leaving them throbbing and increasingly numb with each resounding boom.

Jacob gazed behind him and noticed a small hollowed alcove within the trunk of the tree, just large enough for him to seek refuge. He cautiously entered the alcove, curling up as tightly as possible, knowing it was his only shield against the approaching tornado. As the tornado drew nearer, the tree in which Jacob sought shelter began emitting ominous creaks, accompanied by the sound of snapping branches. He could feel the relentless force of the winds, even in his concealed alcove, and feared that the tree would not withstand the tempestuous assault. Suddenly, with a crackle of electricity, a lightning bolt struck the ground directly in front of the tree, disintegrating its branches and leaves in its path.

Jacob desperately clung to the rough wooden bark of his sanctuary, but his efforts proved futile. Another lightning bolt and the relentless gales caused the tree to yield, uprooting it from the ground. Jacob was forcefully yanked out of the tree by the tornado, pulled into its tumultuous vortex. Despite his frantic attempts to grasp at anything within reach, salvation eluded him. As he whirled around at a disorienting speed, on the verge of nausea, his final glimpse was of a sizable piece of bark before he slammed into it and slipped into unconsciousness. His last poignant thought echoed in his mind, "Father, forgive me. I only wish I had been a more dutiful son." As Jacob continued twirling within the vortex, a sudden radiant light enveloped him before everything descended into darkness.

DRIP DRIP

Jacob awoke to the gentle sound of water trickling into a small puddle near his head. Groggily, he raised his arm to rub his eyes, only to be met with a sharp pang of pain at the slightest movement. With great effort, he managed to sit up, panting and feeling sore all over, trying to piece together where he was and how he had come to be there. Slowly, memories of the storm began to resurface, causing Jacob's eyes to widen in shock as he let out a sigh of relief. "Everything aches, but at least I'm still alive," he thought to himself. Despite his secret fear, he decided it was best not to panic. Having ventured into the forest many times during his youth, he was no stranger to unfamiliar surroundings.

As his vision adjusted to the darkness, Jacob took note of the tattered state of his clothes and the multitude of deep purple bruises that adorned his body, sending waves of pain with every slight movement. Summoning his strength, he rose to his feet and surveyed his surroundings, eager to ascertain his current location. He was just grateful to have survived the ferocious storm, particularly the deadly tornado, which he had braced himself for the inevitable reunion with his late grandparents.