Echoes of Toby

There, in the gloomy and dark grey distance, twisting and rotating with ferocious strength, spun two terrifying tornadoes! One tornado was slightly smaller and thinner; the one on the right side, however, both seemed to be dancing and twirling to a tune only they could understand. It was a tune—no, a band—a live band, created with drums (the pounding thunder), trumpets and horn instruments (the piercing shrill of the wind), and also an electric guitar (the crackling, sizzling bursts of lightning). As the “music” and shrieking storm reached its crescendo, the two whirling and massive tornadoes were about to swallow her when Rachel woke up!

“Thank goodness it was only a dream,” thought Rachel as she opened her eyes and blinked through her still-vivid storm images. Immediately, the sixteen-year-old Rachel got out of her rumpled bed and went over to her bedroom window, pushed aside her delicate tan-colored floral curtains, and looked at the bright, ocean-blue sky. She breathed another sigh of relief. She had a lot of recurring tornado and brutal weather-related dreams lately!

Rachel’s cat Tigger, somehow knowing his human was now awake, raced into her room and announced his presence with a colorful “meow!”

“I know what he wants,” thought Rachel as she started to make her way downstairs to the open kitchen. Tigger happily followed, his brown striped tail held high with his black tip. However, Tigger still had a habit of stopping to look around for his missing brother. Toby and Tigger used to share breakfast time together, contentedly, tail to tail.

She also reflected on this as she gathered Tigger’s single breakfast bowl and cat kibble. Toby went missing approximately a year ago when her youngest, now eight-year-old brother accidentally let Toby outside while rushing to school. Unfortunately, Toby ran into the field behind their home in Ottawa, Kansas, chasing after an unseen critter, and was not seen since. At the time, Tigger and Toby were only three months old.

Rachel was awake before the rest of her family, which included her mother and father as well as her younger brother Jeff. Her father worked at a local veterinary clinic and was the primary veterinarian. Tigger and Toby were actually rescue kittens that were brought to her father’s office by a local elderly woman who found them abandoned and lost. Her father took one look at the frisky, wide-eyed, surprisingly healthy balls of fluff and knew they would make a wonderful addition to the family. All were still mourning darling Toby, but no one blamed poor Jeff, who had no intention of losing his beloved pet.

The family had searched frantically for their new, young family member for weeks, but little Toby was not seen again. Even their closest neighbors did not have any luck spotting the little striped ball of fur. In time, the search was called off, but hope somehow prevailed for Rachel. She had watched several videos on YouTube in which cats and kittens were astonishingly reunited with their owners days, months, or even years later! Secretly, she was still occasionally refilling a bowl of kibble near the large, mostly treeless field in the back of her house, in case of a miraculous return.

However, it was April, and a Tuesday morning, and Rachel knew she needed to focus on her school preparation and morning routine. With Tigger now fed, she showered, dressed in a pair of loose jeans and a floral blouse, and made her way back to the family kitchen where her mother was now up and the fragrant smell of roasting coffee filled the fresh air. Rachel’s mother was a stay-at-home mom who cheerfully loved to cook for the family. She also ran a successful small online business through Etsy, in which she hand-crocheted and sewed pet garments and costumes. A love of animals was a trait each family member encompassed.

“Good Morning Sunshine!” sang her buoyant mother. “Did you sleep well? It’s such a lovely sunlit morning; however my weather app is posting a bad storm for later. I think both you and Jeff have time to be back from school before it starts.” She placed a bowl of oatmeal and sliced fruit before Rachel, who was now sitting at the kitchen table, sipping orange juice.

“Thanks, Mom! That’s strange; I had another one of my nightmares again last night, with two twisters this time!” Rachel rolled her brown eyes and attached her still-damp, long, straight brown hair in a ponytail, eagerly diving into her favorite school breakfast–her warm, maple flavored oatmeal. Tigger was now in the process of delicately licking and grooming his stripy side coat, stretched out on the blue and tan farmhouse rug next to Rachel’s bare feet.

“Wow, that is two storm nightmares in one week, isn’t it? Well, no wonder; it has been a busy storm season this year. We have just been very lucky so far here in Ottawa, compared to over in Kansas City and other parts. Those poor folks already experienced several grievous tornadoes,” reflected her mom, shaking her head.

“Good Morning! Good Morning!” approached a booming, masculine voice. Alongside their tall, brown haired father, Jeff also moseyed into the kitchen, still yawning. However, he was freshened up and ready for the day, dark blonde hair in place.

“I noticed we may have a storm this evening, gang, so be home right after school! The weather reports aren’t mentioning anything too severe, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!” added their father.

“I will, Dad, don’t worry,” smiled Rachel. “I’ll see everyone later! Gotta go catch the bus!”

Rachel did not really need to leave yet, but she wanted an opportunity to leave some cat kibble for Toby near their backyard field, just “in case.” She had put a clean plastic bowl and some of Tigger’s kibble in a Ziploc bag, hidden in her school backpack. Her family didn’t know her secret, or if they did, no one mentioned it to her. They knew how sensitive and caring Rachel was with animals and how difficult losing Toby was to her. In addition, no one wanted to further hurt youthful Jeff by reminding him of their loss. To lose a pet an entire year prior is a very long time ago for an eight-year-old boy.

Thinking about her storm nightmare again, Rachel tossed her head and laughed some. “It’s only normal to have these dreams,” she thought, “Look where I live! Kansas! Plus, we have a storm shelter that Dad renovated since we moved here two years ago. All we have to do is run downstairs when we hear the siren. There’s nothing to worry about, silly!”

The family had not yet experienced a sighting or being caught up in a major tornado since their move from Maine a couple of years prior. Her parents were both born and raised in Kansas and moved back to be closer to family members. They wanted the children to know some of their aunts, uncles, cousins, and surviving grandparents who were nearby.

After placing the cat food in its usual shady spot near one of the few trees, a young mulberry, Rachel felt a breeze stir her long hair. Another one followed immediately after, which she welcomed because the day was already growing warm rather quickly. She stopped and gazed at the blue sky beyond the outspread field, now spotted with cotton-ball-looking clouds. “What would it be like to actually see those whirlwind monsters spinning towards me?” she pondered. “I hope wherever you are, that you are safe somewhere, dear Toby.”

Rachel caught her bus with plenty of time to spare and had a very nice day at her high school in Ottawa. She had received an A on the biology test from the day prior, her absolute favorite subject. The storm that was supposed to arrive that particular evening was not brought up much by the teenagers throughout the school day, mostly because the weather reports did not really stress any significant dangers or tornado threats. Also, teenagers near the end of the school year have other events which take up most of their thoughts, like the Junior Prom, which was scheduled for this Saturday. Rachel was planning to go with two of her best friends.

That evening in Rachel’s household, after an early dinner, the family prepared for the storm that was starting to make its way into Ottawa. Rachel’s dad ensured the storm cellar was stocked with necessary supplies to be safe, such as flashlights, batteries, water, a weather radio, etc. Rachel’s mom was watching the local weather report and helping Jeff with his school science project.

“Looks like our area is going to be impacted very soon, everyone,” announced Rachel’s mom, sitting on the family’s living room couch, eyeing the radar on the television. Jeff was sitting on the beige living room carpet, also keeping an eye on the radar while crafting his science project, which involved a scale model of the solar system and distances between planets. “However, I do not see any worrisome red zones on the radar so far, so that is a good sign,” she added.

Rachel was sitting at the kitchen table, laptop open, tackling her own homework, which involved a history essay on the Civil War. Tigger was sprawled out near her feet in a peaceful cat slumber, snoring ever so slightly. He was oblivious to the rainfall that was steadily growing heavier, with slight rumbles heard in the distance.

Rachel breathed a sigh of relief when she heard her mom’s advisory, as the kitchen was open to the living room. “Thank goodness! I do not want my dream from last night to come true,” she reflected to herself, jumping when the thunder pounded stronger than before.

Within an hour, the storm almost cleared, and Rachel finished her homework.

“We were lucky. The worst parts of the storm missed us. Some nearby cities reported possible tornadoes, according to the news,” reflected Rachel’s mom, wide eyed. “I think we will be alright for the rest of the night. The future radar and forecast does not portray any significant weather activity overnight.”

“Your mother is right. I have been checking several apps, and it doesn’t seem we have anything to really worry about. We may have more storms overnight, but I don’t see any concerns for a tornado,” added their father, who entered the living room.

“I agree. Everyone can try to get as much sleep as possible. If there is any cause for concern, we will hear the city’s warning siren and receive alerts from our cell phones. I’m turning in for the night. Have a good night, kids. Jeff, brush your teeth and it is time for bed, too. Rachel, bedtime in one hour, please.” Rachel’s mom kissed each of her children goodnight and headed toward the bedroom they shared on the second floor. Their father wished them a good night with two winks and followed.

Jeff looked at Rachel, and both shrugged as if to say “all is well.” He put away his partially completed project in a box and carried it upstairs to his bedroom, saying, “G’night! Don’t get scared!”

A fierce gust of wind was heard whistling through the windows of their almost one-hundred-year-old remodeled home, and Jeff flinched noticeably. Rachel laughed, but she knew she had also jumped a little. Jeff looked back, stuck out his tongue, and went up the stairs.

Rachel felt an inward burst of emotion as she loved her younger brother very dearly. He was very grown-up for his age and took things seriously a lot, such as his nearly complete science project. She knew they were similar in that sense, as she also cared very much about school and her grades. She knew her parents were very proud of them both and secretly relieved their children rarely caused them trouble.

Yawning made Rachel realize how exhausted she was all of a sudden. Normally, she would stay up and watch one of her favorite shows or read before going to sleep, but tonight she decided to just head straight to bed and hopefully feel much more refreshed tomorrow. Prom was this weekend, and she still had a couple of last-minute items to shop for after school tomorrow. She then completed her nightly grooming routine.

Tucking herself in, all cozy and snug, Tigger in a rolled “ball” of fur on the bottom, Rachel almost immediately drifted to sleep. To feel more relaxed, she was imagining herself sparkling under the dance floor lights at Junior Prom, all “decked out” in her new floor-length cornflower blue dress and high heels. So beat was she that the persistent drumming of the rain with cracks of thunder and lightning did not cause her to wake up.

***

Rachel’s eyes burst open with a shock. There it was, the very loud and piercing wail of the emergency siren!

“Mom! Dad! Jeff! Tigger!” she exclaimed as she leaped out of bed. No. Something was wrong. Through the wailing noise, she heard it! The “freight train” noise described when a tornado is approaching! No, no, no. It was too close--way too close!

She ran to the window and peered outside. She could see absolutely nothing but darkness, blackness, and a cascading waterfall of rain; nothing else. She realized the electricity was off. She froze but, at the same time, didn’t know if she should try to make it to their storm shelter. Would she make it?

“Rachel! Rachel! No time! Get in your closet now!” her mom yelled from the hallway, panting. “Jeff is with Dad. We don’t have time to make it downstairs! It’s right outside the house!”

Rachel couldn’t help but peek under her bed. Yes, Tigger was squeezed in a corner near the wall. She wanted to snatch him up but knew he could escape and he was better off where he was. Crying with fear and frustration, Rachel raced into her bedroom closet, grabbing a pillow and blanket to cover them both with.

The noise outside and beyond Rachel’s closet was deafening and catastrophic. Both Rachel and her Mom curled into balls and wrapped themselves with the blanket, holding the pillow over their heads. Rachel heard what sounded like a jet’s engine, rumbling and crackling as well. Unexpectedly, she felt a sharp bump to her head and then felt nothing at all…

***

Awareness spread through Rachel, as well as the sounds of “normalcy.” Lifting her head while removing the protective layer of blanket and pillow, she sat up, as did her mom beside her. She immediately opened the closet door. Both looked at each other, but neither could speak.

Amazingly enough, the ceiling in her room was still intact, as were the walls. However, her bedroom window had been shattered by a large tree branch that was still dangling halfway in and outside, still rocking ever so slightly. She could smell the damp earth from outside. Many of her items were scattered about, but she knew it could have been much worse after what she had heard – those horrible, appalling noises!

“Dad! Jeff! Tigger!” Rachel exclaimed, so worried. Both Rachel and her Mom gingerly started making their way through her severely dismantled room. Rachel went to peer under the bed while her mom then raced to the other bedroom to where, hopefully, her dad and Jeff were.

“Oh no,” thought Rachel, “Tigger is not there!” Disappointed but determined, she made her way in her mom’s direction, hearing excited voices! “Stay positive, stay positive,” she thought.

The entire family of four was all safe and sound! It was a miracle! Rachel knew a major, super tornado must have landed and traveled right next to their home. She couldn’t believe the house was even still standing and they were all alive!

“I have to go find Tigger!” declared Rachel after the family reunited and realized no one got hurt--not even a scratch!

“OK, but be careful. Don’t go far outside,” her dad worriedly glanced her way. “I’ll come join you.”

Both father and daughter walked outdoors, cautiously. Yes, a tornado definitely made its way directly next to their home; that was certain. However, the home itself was almost untouched!

Rachel remembered something had struck her head and she had blacked out. She carefully touched her scalp but did not feel any blood, tenderness, or bumps. “I suppose I just got frightened,” she considered.

All of a sudden, she heard a bird chirping. Then, out of a maple tree, climbed down Tigger! She was still in her front yard, and her favorite, gorgeous, sprawling maple tree was still intact, minus a few branches, of course! It wasn’t a bird chirping; it was Tigger!

Rachel and her father gaped at each other as she slowly treaded over and picked up Tigger. He seemed completely unharmed! Tigger let himself be picked up by his human but then immediately fought to go back on the ground. Rachel did not want to let him go; she wanted to bring him safely indoors. Then she saw why.

A second cat was crawling intricately down the still-upright maple tree. The cat had black and brown tiger stripes but was slightly furrier than Tigger, as his missing litter mate was. “No, it can’t be,” breathed Rachel out loud. But yes, it was.

Rachel’s father very slowly stepped over to where the second cat was, almost now on the ground, and collected the cat in his strong, sturdy, veterinarian-trained arms. Rachel and her father walked towards each other, a striped cat in each of their arms, as a ray of sunlight escaped from the now-clearing sky. The two cats touched noses and started licking each other’s faces, not wanting to escape any longer.

“It’s him,” Rachel could barely utter as a faint rainbow majestically appeared behind their house, “It’s Toby.”