beneath the falls (2)

He paused, squinting at the horizon where the Cascade Dam loomed. It was an imposing structure, built decades ago to harness the river’s power, but rumors had circulated that it was deteriorating.

As he watched, a plume of dust rose from the dam, swirling in the early light. His heart sank. By midday, the news spread like wildfire. The dam had collapsed, releasing a massive wave of water that surged down the mountain, heading straight for Alder Creek.

The townspeople gathered in the square, faces pale with fear as they processed the enormity of the impending disaster. Panic set in quickly; many screamed for their loved ones, others simply stood frozen in disbelief.