Superstorm: Reality
It should have been a happy occasion, her special day. The presents were all great, and she was grateful to everyone, but melancholy hung heavy in the Parr home. The one thing Violet wanted more than anything that day, she couldn't have.
"We wish she was here too, sweetie." her mom said quietly as she stroked her daughter's hair.
The mood was broken by Rick as he entered the room. His face, a paradox of concern and hope.
"I wish I were here to wish you a happy birthday, but considering the circumstances...I know that wouldn't be appropriate. And, I'm afraid I'll have to make matters worse." He said in an apologetic tone.
"The ejection." Violet said knowingly.
"Yes..." Rick paused for a second, "...not only is it a certainty, but of a much greater magnitude than originally predicted."
Violet sat there; the worst day of her life, just hit bottom.
"Violet, listen to me..." He began, "...what I said the other day still holds. You are not obligated to do this...you don't have to do it." he reiterated.
"The world leaders have been briefed on the risks, whether you help or we let the storm take its course, they all understand. Violet, they're not telling you to help, they're simply asking. If you accept, just do your best, if it doesn't work you'll still have the respect of a lot people...if you feel you can't do it, no one on earth will think less of you."
Rick took a deep breath and let it out, "Normally we would have a day or more. But this is the biggest CME ever seen and it's moving fast..." Rick looked at his watch, "...we have less than twenty-two hours, and it's going to take most of that to get you to magnetic north, unless you've changed your mind on were you need to be, we don't have a lot of time. So we need an answer..."
"Yes." she interrupted softly. "I'll do it."
The words came out almost without permission. Violet could feel her stomach tighten up, she felt physically sick, but she had agreed. As she got up to follow Rick to the car, the whole situation seemed so surreal; words materializing from a mouth she had no control over, walking on legs she couldn't feel, and wondering if she would help the world or condemn it.
Good, bad, or indifferent, in twenty-two hours, she would have her answer.