WHEN THE DUST CLEARED
All I could sense was the faint sound of a sonata playing
in the background even though chaos was erupting. Running
everywhere was a crowd, trying to keep safe from all that
was happening. It was like being inside a very bad nightmare
that never seemed to end.
A massive earthquake had hit our City of Angels like a
bully that was running through town just ready to take
anyone or anything that crossed its path. The shattering
could be heard for miles and miles like a stack of dominoes
falling one after another. I had to make sure that my
thoughts stayed clear.
One thought came to my mind on that terrible
November morning. I hoped that my fiancé John did not
think that I had stood him up for our weekend trip to Napa
Valley. I know it sounds silly to be worried about a date
during a time like this one. I have heard in many cases when
someone is going through something difficult such as this, it
is good to keep happy thoughts.
As I thought about John and how he always made things
better, I heard more rupturing across the Los Angeles area. I
tried to keep a clear perspective, but sadly I learned that
many of the homes in the suburban area of my
neighborhood were destroyed, which included many of my
neighbors. Were they injured? This was so hard to deal with
because I had grown up in California. Yes, I was a valley girl.
My parents had worked hard to provide for my brother,
Jacob, and me. When I got older, I moved to Los Angeles
and was able to attend UCLA to pursue a career in acting.
This is where I met John who was one of the directors at the
Network. I still recall when I went to audition and he called
my name for the first time.
“Very well done, Nadia,” he smiled.
I was in complete shock.
“My name is John Gallagher. I will be directing this
episode. You know, I think you were made to play this role.”
After that there was no turning back. I fell madly in love.
Horrifying echoes were stirring among the street. There
was damage everywhere and I could feel pain coming from
every direction. I tried to stay positive by thinking about
John. Another memory came to me and this time, I recalled
our first anniversary of being together.
“Well, Ms. Nadia Chumsky, do you approve of this
night?” he said as we danced the night away.
“Oh, I definitely approve, Mr. Gallagher,” I answered
