"Heavy rain is expected in the area with the combination of cyclone Nakri and the cold front causing widespread flooding. We encourage everyone to stay inside their houses and avoid coming out because of Typhoon Nakri (Quiel). We are expecting the storm to make its landfall tonight at 6 pm. We encourage those who live near the sea and low-lying area to voluntarily vacate now and prepare your emergency kit.” The radio blasted from the room, the light flickered and wind howl outside the window of their hotel. It was only 2 pm but the rain has not stopped at 11 am that morning. Lindsey and Angie were supposed to go back to the airport in Tuguegarao but were stranded in a village called Claveria.

They looked at each other aghast. A lightning strike from a distance followed with roaring thunder, Angie ran under the sheet of a blanket. “Mommy, mommy.” she moaned.

“Hey, Angie, I am here,” she embraced her warmly. Lindsey remembered she has always been afraid of the thunder and would refuse to go out when there’s a storm. She cried herself to sleep and held her friend closely.

Outside, the rain poured cats and dogs non-stop for several hours. The howling wind calmed down but the rain continued causing flood all over the villages and nearby town. What surprised both girls was how calm everyone was despite the flood and storm.

They asked one staff member who smiled and replied, “We are used to it now. Storms too shall pass. For now, we just have to face it.” His words bear meaning and calming. Yet, inside their hearts were about to explode. There was no way they can contact their families back home to let them know they were safe.

Vince was out there in the open helping local rescuers evacuate affected They had to scour the surrounding with the flood which was waist-deep before the sunsets. It was already 3:00 pm. None of the villagers, or even the government, anticipated the quick rise of water especially since they were situated near the sea.

Vince and the rescue team had to prepare several pump boats, life vests, and other rescue gears. Years of experience had prepared him for this and his muscle memory automatically put him into the routine. Despite these years of experience, he has never grown accustomed to the shock, fear, desolation, and trauma of the people they rescue. They threaded every nook and cranny of the town to look for affected households, especially those near the sea and living in one-story houses.

Vince joined the team that looked after the town proper. They were the least prepared for the calamity as none expected that the sea will overflow to the town center. Houses, establishments like restaurants and hotels were not spared from the storm’s wrath. He checked on a hotel nearby with water that’s ankle-deep ensuring that no one is staying on the first floor and they are not using the elevator.

“Do you think there are any open establishments at this time? Where can we buy something to eat?” Vince overheard a lady talking to the hotel staff.

“I am sorry ma’am but most of the stores have closed because of the storm,” the hotel staff retorted.

“But, I am hungry,” the other one added.

He went inside the hotel to make his normal rounds and to offer assistance. By the sound of it, they were not expecting such calamity, thus, they were unprepared. “Hi,” removing his hat as he greeted the staff and ladies. “I am Vince from the rescue team. I am just dropping by to check if everything is okay in your hotel.”

“Good afternoon,” the hotel responded making both girls twirl around. Their mouths fell open when they recognized each other.

“You,” they spoke simultaneously, “what are you doing here?”

“You go ahead,” Vince spoke pointing at Angie.

“Business trip,” she replied. “And you?”

“Oh! What a great timing for a business trip. I am part of the rescue team. I think I mentioned that last time. Did you not check the weather forecast before you traveled here?”

“Yeah. It had been booked weeks ahead and we never expected something like this to happen.”

“I overheard that you were looking for a place to eat. Is that right?”

“Yeah, we are,” both girls spoke at the same time. “Oh, by the way, this is Lindsey. She is my boss,” nudging her friend. “And this is Vince.”

“Hi, my pleasure to meet you, Vince,” reaching out her hand. “I heard a lot about you from Angie.”

“Oh, is that so?” Vince looked at Angie with his brows arched. “There’s a convenience store down the road. I can walk you there.”

“No, we are good. I think we can manage.” Angie replied.

“No, please don’t listen to her. Can you really bring us there?”

“Yes. Follow me,” he tipped his hat to the staff as he led the way out of the hotel. The women’s eyes and mouth widened when they saw the entire street flooded. They were grateful to the staff who insisted that they wear rain boots when they hesitated because it was not as comfortable and stylish. Then they realized it was not a catwalk they are marching at that time.

“Woah! We could have walked right back to the hotel if you did not come with us, Vince” Lindsey mumbled, “You should be thankful to him. I don’t think we can survive here if it had been just the two of us,” nudging at Angie.

“Don’t worry, I am here. I will protect you in any way I can,” Vince replied.

Just then a car passed by splashing water from both sides. Vince pulled Angie, who was walking next to the invisible street, to his side avoiding the splash. Angie screamed at the sudden turn of events that she could barely say anything “You should walk here instead,” Vince whispered.

She held her breath for a moment, then mumbled, “thank you.”

They went inside the convenience store which was perched on top of a small hill. So it wasn’t damaged by the flood. The girls took all the things they need from biscuits, noodles, purified water, energy drinks, and a couple of toiletries. Vince chuckled at them and handed them with flashlight and batteries that they can use. The convenience store also sold some ready-to-eat meals both of them were grateful for. They both ordered fried chicken and pasta, shared warm noodles for the cold weather. Vince, on the other hand, munched on a sandwich and cola.

“Until when are you staying here?”

“Just for today, so we thought. We were supposed to leave for the airport in the other town but with this flood, I don’t know if we can drive there today,” Lindsey answered. Angie sat there quietly drinking her coffee.

“Are you flying back tomorrow?” Vince asked glancing at Angie who was sitting to his left.

“yes. “

“What time?”

“8 pm. We can still travel tomorrow but I don’t know if we can make it in time.”

“The two cities where the airports are also experiencing typhoon. From the last update we received, all flights were canceled.”

“With the weather, I doubt there would be any cars on the road either. But, we will head out tomorrow no matter what,” Lindsey retorted slurping the last of the noodle on the bowl.

“Oh, you might want to charge all your gadgets now as well as your power bank, we are expecting blackout tonight because of the weather. I heard they have issues with the generator in the hotel earlier today that is why I dropped by. Also, you might want to use candles in any case you need light. Usually, when the power is down so as the cell site, so be prepared,” he warned both ladies.

“You must really be an expert on this. Can you update us on any important news on the flight? If the power goes off, we can’t watch any update on the news,” finally Angie spoke grasping the coffee with two hands.

“Yes, of course. Tell you what. I can come with you tomorrow, I remembered that we were supposed to meet some of our comrades at the airport. I can drive you up there. With the weather and without GPS, it would be difficult for you to travel by yourself.”

“That sounds great!” Lindsey retorted while Angie nodded.

True enough to what Vince predicted, the power was out later in the evening. The girls use the flashlights and candles alternately saving as much energy as they can. They crammed all their work after having early dinner with Vince that they get to finish almost everything before the power went out.

Angie was quiet the whole time but her hands have been sweating non-stop, her eyes roaming everywhere and heart was beating really fast. Without Lindsey beside her, she could have panicked at the thought of being alone in a dark cold room with a raging storm outside. To appease her mind, she dived into sketching after the hotel staff lent them an emergency light brightening the entire room. But, her eyes surrendered after a few sketches remembering her doctor’s recommendation not to strain them. Not long after, the girls tucked themselves in bed as the entire village battle the storm outside.

The morning after, everything was quiet and the entire room became bright with the light streaming from the outside. A loud roaring sound of an engine can be heard from their room, which apparently was from the generator they powered up the previous night. Lindsey turned on the television but all they see was gray polka dots screen. Maybe, not even the TV stations are powered on. Angie took her phone, which was blinking, and saw a message from Vince. He was waiting for their message so they can leave together towards the airport.

“We will be out by 10 am,” Angie replied. “Can you meet us downstairs?”

“Yes,” he answered.

They heard a knock on the door. Angie opened it where the staff greeted her, “Good morning ma’am. I am here to deliver your breakfast. We are sorry to say that the cafe downstairs is still closed because it was flooded from the non-stop rain. So we delivered breakfast to all the rooms instead.”

“Thank you,” Angie reached out her hand to take a tray filled with goodies, “Is it still flooded outside?”

“Yes, ma’am. Although the water has gone down in some areas most of the town is still submerged in flood,” the man answered. “Please leave the tray inside your room and our staff will clean them up later.”

When the hotel staff left, Angie brought the food inside the room and shared it with Lindsey. They talked about their plans for the day and how they can make it to the airport on time. They have not received any notification that their flight has been canceled or rescheduled. From what they gathered, the storm has left the country. After their breakfast, the two packed their luggage and head downstairs. Dragging their suitcase as the elevator was still not functioning.

When they reached the ground floor, the hotel staff were busy sweeping the floor of all the water that came in. They saw the hotel staff wiping their sweat from their forehead or stretching their tense muscles. But, as soon as they descended they smiled and greeted them good morning.

At the foot of the stairs, Vince stood there with his luggage hair trimmed, clothes neatly ironed and polished with the stance of a soldier. He was not the man she met the first time. The two women stopped at the sight of him. It felt like they were walking to Agent Zero in Wolverine with the square jaw, dashing smile and charming brown eyes. Lindsey elbowed Angie’s shoulder and winked at her.

“Are you girls ready?” he smiled. His heart skipped a beat when he saw Angie void of all the makeup, and wearing a simple white shirt and blue jeans. He was staring at her as he met her for the first time. Her Latina vibe was more evident making her more attractive and sensual. Vince was dumbfounded.

“Yes, we are. Let’s go.”

"Okay, brace yourself as this journey might not be as smooth sailing as you think,” Vince turned to the ladies who just got out of the hotel.

Lindsey threw the keys to him, “Drive for us then. Do you have an international driver’s license?”

“Of course,” he replied. “Don’t worry. I am here to protect you,” smiling at Angie.

Angie was about to open the back door but Lindsey pushed her towards the passenger’s seat. They were glaring at each other when Vince settled himself in the driver’s seat. He peeked at the two ladies who were still standing outside. “What are you ladies waiting for?” opening the door to the passenger’s seat. Angie slipped in.

The rain has stopped but the aftermath of the storm can be seen everywhere. Areas, where the flood has subsided, were covered with garbage and mud. Unfortunately, some areas that are still covered with a flood that is ankle-deep. Most of the residents were walking and only big cars and trucks were seen on the road. The street was invisible.

Vince started the land cruiser and threaded the flood confidently saying he had been through the same situation before. The two ladies were quiet. They overheard the hotel staff talking about how the storm had been stronger for the last few years. This is the first time that their town has been flooded severely. Their heart goes out to all the households who have been affected by the storm. Angie was tearing up silently watching at the people who were busy cleaning and salvaging anything they can save.

They have been traveling for an hour passing through bridges, floods, and landslides. The rice fields have been heavily flooded and they saw some carabaos and goats hauled to a small hill surrounded with water. Rescuers passed by with their boats and huge trucks filled with people. The further they travel, the deeper the flood was. At a certain point, there were several checkpoints who talked to Vince explaining to him the situation in the area, and if they were passable or not.

After a 2-hour drive, the water rose as it became knee-deep. A few minutes later, they noticed that most of the houses and buildings were submerged in water. It was almost a ghost town with no one around but the water that’s about 1 meter high.

“Are you sure we can make it through?” Lindsey leaned closer to Vince roaming her eyes around the place that has now been deserted. Her hands were cold and she kept fidgeting on her seat. “Maybe this is the deepest part of the flood,” she said as the water rose up.

Barely any sight of the street and the street posts as the only reference of the highway they could not see, Vince drove silently. He was trying his best to stay calm but his heart was pounding hard. “stay in the middle,” Angie pulled his hands as the car passes through an invisible road.

Much to the surprise of the two girls, what they thought have been worst was not even close to it. They saw a man brazing the flood that was now chest-high. The flood rose the further they went and the two ladies were screaming inside the car, Lindsey was crying and Angie was shaking. The water rose up to the windshield. A few minutes later, it has reached almost ¼ of the car window.

Lindsey was crying hysterically shouting, “I don’t want to die yet. Please, Lord, let us live.”

Angie yelled, “the water is coming in!” True enough water was rushing inside the car as the water was now chest-deep. “This is not a submarine for goodness sake, Vince,” she said staring at the water hovering around the car, submerging the windshield.

Vince remained tongue-tied. He can’t afford to be distracted and for the car to stop. Otherwise, that will be a complete disaster for them. He had driven through a flood before but not as deep as the flood they were taking. But, there was no turning back at that point. He had promised that he will protect them and will hang on to that promise. As the water rose, he held his breath driving through the flood. A few minutes later, they reached higher ground. People were looking at them dazed at how they went thread the rainwater.