The ground shook as another tremor racked through the small mining town of Bilmont. It had only been two days since the first earthquake hit, but the small, destructive tremors were a reminder that there would be no end to them.

The walls of The Incredible Java Joint started shaking again as another hit the town again. With it only lasting a couple of seconds, the scary thought the building could collapse still swirled through their heads.

"We need to get out of here!" Callum shouted to his girlfriend, Scarlett, as he pushed some debris off their table.

Scarlett looked around the coffee shop, the same shop that was her parents' legacy for years. The cafe was the only possession they had left her.

"We have to try to save it."

"It's pointless. Another one will hit the town and it may collapse with us in it."

Scarlett nodded before she looked upwards. "Sorry, mom and dad".

Suddenly, another aftershock shook the building.

"This is bad," Callum yelled. "We need to go Scarlett!"

Scarlett walked in front of Callum toward the entrance, but the ceiling caved in and debris blocked the door.

"Back exit." Callum grabbed his girlfriend's hand and hurried toward the rear. The narrow hallway was quickly filling with debris as the ceiling broke apart. Using himself as a shield, Callum did his best to protect Scarlett as they kept pushing forward.

"I see the exit up ahead. Come on."

Debris was constantly raining on the two and blotches of blood could be seen on their clothes as debris pierced their skin. Callum went down as a chunk of wood hit his shoulder. Scarlett was quick to help him to his feet, but she soon got hit in the shoulder too. The exit was only a few feet in front of them.

Callum looked up and he could see the ceiling was about to fall. With all his strength he could muster, he grabbed Scarlett in his arms and dove through the open doorway, mere seconds before the Java Joint collapsed. The two laid on the ground, gasping for breath.

"I hope it's over," Scarlett said to no one in particular.

"I believe it is," Callum responded as he helped her to her feet.

"Where are we?"

Scarlett's boyfriend brushed some wood from her hair. "What do you mean?"

"Look." Scarlett turned his boyfriend around.

"What the?" Callum said, equally shocked and surprised.

The Java Joint laid destroyed in front of them, but beyond that, a jungle surrounded them. Far into the distance, they could see a mountain range.

A loud roar echoed across the land as they held each other tight, fearing for their life.

Edited 4/21/20

Word Count: 448 words

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