Aftershocks 11

Francie ran to check on Donny as soon as the shaking stopped.He was curled on his side so deep in sleep he had slept right through it all.She scooped him up resolving they would not chance separation again. After settling him in next to Arlis Suzanne said they should check for damage.In the South galary other than the toppling of a few supplies structurally all was fine.The med unit had similar results.Everything quickly fixable.The real problem was found deeper into the West wing of the cave.The entrance to the spring was blocked by fallen rock.Thankfully they had a measure of drawn water .How long to move the rock? Could it be moved? Gathering picks and shovels from Arlis' tool collection they diligently worked to break apart the rocks. Their plan was to dig below and in front of the mound to facilitate movement.The next aftershock still in the morning of similar force threw both women to the floor where they stayed till it subsided. The good news a small opening now appeared atop the obstruction they had been working on. Arlis and his son slept soundly when the women checked .The comfort of each other's presence their only concern as they navigated dreamscapes in tandem. Francis having lived in the area of the New Madrid fault line asked could this be the source of the quakes. It could very well be,Suzanne replied as Arlis had researched it thoroughly after finding the cave. First the women used their combined efforts digging and excavating. Finally using the Harley to help to pull a bolder loose hooking a cable to the small tree Suzanne had cut and hauled back. Like sewing they worked the log through the hole and used the combined force of the bike and Francis pulling to roll the big rock down. The mound was worked on for days as the aftershocks came with less force and frequency.Midway Francie crawling through to go to the spring announcing this was the only area of concern. Working without mention of how they came to be in this place together Francie knew that before long she would be announcing news that would be another shock. Arlis was soon able to bare weight on the leg .Fussing as they told him to look after Donny who was growing restless as well being confined.Arlis' job other than this to get to physical soundness. Francie other than loving look and tone showed no display of affection in Suzannes' presence.Suzanne still processing it all had adopted a position of pragmatic peace.Time would sort it out .Maybe.