Yesterday was the worst day of my life. I do not think I am a coward really, but I was terrified. I hope never again to have such an experience. The day began as usual. We got ready for school and Peter, strange to say, was late for once. The sky was rather cloudy and Mummy said, “Better take your raincoats.” I picked up mine, but Peter hates any sort of coat. He says they look “sissy” and keep him too hot. But I am sure he was sorry not to have his, because torrents of rain came pouring down just as I reached the school gate, and I know he must have been drenched to the skin by the time he had walked from the bus-stop to his school.
Assembly and morning classes went on as usual, though the rain fell without stopping. At break time it held up for a while, but the playing fields were soaked, and the school garden was flooded. Then about midday came a message that a storm was approaching the island and that schools were to be closed. We were hurriedly dismissed and I lost no time in making my way home. The sky was now dark, almost black. Peter arrived soon after me, and daddy decided not to go back to the shop after lunch. He and Peter inspected the windows and outer doors and made sure that all the fastenings and hinges were secure. Mum and I pasted strips of paper over the panes of glass. Susie was rather puzzled by all this as she had never heard of a storm warning before. We collected water in jugs and pails and put candles, lamps and matches on a handy table. We shut Sloopy in the kitchen, and waited, all gathered in the living room.
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