Shattered

Despite their limited means, Finn's family knew the true value of love and togetherness. Their collective strength and unwavering support formed the foundation of their shared experiences. Finn, even in the face of adversity, carried an infectious spirit of joy and optimism. As one of six children, he was surrounded by the boundless energy and boisterous laughter that filled their modest home. His radiant smile and contagious laughter were testaments to the love he received from his family.

As one of the younger siblings, he often found himself donning hand-me-down garments passed down from his older brothers and his father. What started out of necessity eventually transformed into a unique expression of his individuality. Embracing these vintage ensembles, Finn discovered the charm and allure of retro fashion, donning threads that carried stories and memories within their fabric.

"Give it back!" Lily protested, her voice filled with playful annoyance. Finn waved a packet of Skittles in the air, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "They're mine, Finn! Give them back!"

Finn laughed playfully, teasing his sister. "Only if you tell me all about it!" he said, his voice brimming with curiosity.

"No!" Lily retorted, determined to reclaim her candy. "Come on, Finn!"

"I want to know EVERYTHING!" Finn laughed, holding the Skittles just out of Lily's reach.

Relenting, Lily's irritated expression softened into a playful one. "Fine, fine. I'll tell you everything."

Finn's eyes widened with anticipation as he returned her the Skittles, grabbing a green one for himself. They both settled onto the coffee-stained yellow canvas sofa in their living room, their special place of comfort and shared secrets.

"We kissed", Lily admitted, her face turning a delicate shade of pink as her gaze dropped to the floor.

Finn emitted a high-pitched scream, his mouth still closed as he chewed the candy. His reaction conveyed a mix of surprise and amusement.

"It was just a quick kiss, and that's all! This is so embarrassing", Lily confessed, her awkwardness palpable.

"Oh my God! Wait until mom knows", Finn said mischievously, his tone laced with humor.

"Finn! Please, you promised!" Lily pleaded, her cheeks flushed.

"I'm just kidding, you dork", Finn said, bursting into laughter and playfully slapping her shoulder.

Lily was 14 at the time, and Finn was just 16. He cherished the deep bond he shared with his sister, knowing that they could confide in each other without judgment or fear. He never had a friend like her.

Not a day passed Finn didn't think about Lily. He missed her so much.

All the boys stood still for a couple of seconds, paralyzed by the sheer terror of the moment. The cacophony from above assaulted their senses, unleashing a relentless onslaught of horrifying sounds unlike anything they had ever experienced. Each half second brought forth another jarring noise, some more ear-shattering than others, reverberating through the air. It was as if the very fabric of reality was being torn apart.

The crashes and collisions echoed through the chamber, evoking a sense of impending doom. The deafening impact of something crashing or falling with an unfathomable force filled the space, intensifying their fear. And amidst the chaos, an unrelenting deep rumble permeated the air, drowning out their own thoughts.

Reacting swiftly to the imminent danger, Raven's instincts kicked into overdrive. Without a second thought, he sprinted back to the table, sweeping Nima into his arms and seeking refuge beneath its sturdy shelter. Sage, his hands tightly clutching the edge of the counter, felt a surge of panic as the earthquake rattled the room. The sound of water gushing from the faucet merged with the horrifying noises above, blending into a dissonant symphony of fear. The forgotten sponge slipped from his grasp.

Cove, teetering on the edge of his chair, instinctively raised his arms, a feeble attempt to protect his head from the destructive forces at play. In a display of unwavering bravery, Finn enveloped River within his protective embrace, shielding the younger boy from the violent tremors that threatened their very existence.

As the chaos unfolded, a cascade of plates crashed down from the rack above the sink, one of them striking Sage's head with a sickening thud. Cove's voice pierced through the tumult, his concern echoing through the chaos. A few droplets of blood mingled with the debris on the countertop.

Time became a blur, distorted by the intensity of the earthquake. Its duration remained a mystery, lost in the maelstrom of adrenaline and fear that pulsed through their veins. When the trembling finally ceased, leaving only an eerie stillness in its wake, the boys found themselves gasping for breath, their bodies trembling with a potent mix of relief and apprehension. In that precarious moment of respite, they remained frozen, acutely aware of the shattered silence that enveloped them.