Twisted
Edited on March 30th, 2025:
Welcome lovelies and beau’s! If you're new here, welcome! This is part two of “A Twisted Sight.”
In my last post, I shared how I met some neighbors when a storm rolled through, and despite multiple tornadoes that night, we were lucky. But Illinois had more in store. 2023 has seen an unprecedented number of tornadoes, especially around the Chicagoland area, with 13 tornadoes touching down on July 12th alone, including two in my hometown. But the stormy events weren’t over.
Two nights later, on Friday, July 14th, I met up with one of my best friends, thinking it would be a normal evening. We caught up, enjoyed some dinner near the Mall, and then decided to keep chatting in the car, with the sunroof open and windows cracked. It was a warm summer night, perfect for conversation. But that peaceful atmosphere quickly changed.
Suddenly, I saw it—a tornado forming in the distance, moving towards us. At first, I couldn’t believe it, but it was unmistakable. Panic set in as the wind picked up, rain began to fall, and the once serene sky turned dark, flashing with lightning.
We had two options: shelter in the mall or try to make it back to my friend’s place. We chose to drive back, hoping to outrun the storm. As we drove down the road, the wind howled and the rain poured so heavily that we could barely see. The road was nearly empty, with only a few cars trying to get out of the storm’s path. The tornado was fast, and so were we.
The situation grew tense. The streetlights flickered and the wind nearly pushed the car off course. At one point, we encountered fallen trees blocking the road. I quickly reversed, and with the storm’s signal lost on my GPS, we had no choice but to continue on blind faith, desperate for safety.
The sirens wailed in the distance, the only sound breaking the eerie silence as we navigated through the storm. We were caught in it, and all we could do was keep moving.
I turned left again, but this time, it felt like the storm was closing in. The trees started swaying, and the rain picked up. After a couple of blocks, construction blocked the road, so we had to make a choice. I turned right, but my friend suggested we turn around and head back to her place, as we didn’t want to get stuck.
We were stuck at another red light, and the storm intensified. Tall trees swayed violently, and we both grew quiet, realizing how close we were to the tornado. We discussed sheltering at a nearby hotel, and as we got closer, branches littered the ground, and the rain poured harder. I stopped, parked, and we rushed inside.
Guests had already been evacuated to the first floor, so we found a windowless hallway to wait. After 15-20 minutes, the storm passed. My storm tracker app confirmed it, and we headed back to her place. I stayed for another hour to ensure it was safe to head home.
I turned left again, but this time, it felt like the storm was closing in. The trees started swaying, and the rain picked up. After a couple of blocks, construction blocked the road, so we had to make a choice. I turned right, but my friend suggested we turn around and head back to her place, as we didn’t want to get stuck.
We were stuck at another red light, and the storm intensified. Tall trees swayed violently, and we both grew quiet, realizing how close we were to the tornado. We discussed sheltering at a nearby hotel, and as we got closer, branches littered the ground, and the rain poured harder. I stopped, parked, and we rushed inside.
Guests had already been evacuated to the first floor, so we found a windowless hallway to wait. After 15-20 minutes, the storm passed. My storm tracker app confirmed it, and we headed back to her place. I stayed for another hour to ensure it was safe to head home.
Reflecting on that night, I’m reminded of how quickly life can change and how important it is to trust your instincts. The storm was a stark reminder of how unpredictable nature can be, and how even the best-laid plans can be thrown into chaos. But in the midst of the fear and uncertainty, I found comfort in the fact that I wasn't alone. Having my best friend by my side made the situation bearable and reinforced the value of having someone you can rely on during tough times.
It’s easy to take for granted the safety of a peaceful night, but when that peace is disrupted, it’s crucial to stay calm and make decisions that prioritize your well-being. That night, we had no choice but to adapt, trust each other, and trust ourselves. And while I’ll always remember the terror of that storm, I’ll also remember the strength and clarity we found in the face of it.
Here’s to staying safe, trusting our instincts, and making the best of whatever life throws our way. I hope this story serves as a reminder that no matter how intense things get, you’re never truly alone, and the storm will pass.
As a signature of my blog, I’d like to end this post with a suggestion to “Pass on kindness.” There’s no time like the present to Inspire Those Who Inspire You. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a direct, positive impact on someone else. Go out there today and change someone’s life for the better!
***These are my personal opinions and may not be those of my employer.***
