By Storm, We Are Lost and Then Found

This was written for an environmental storytelling assignment where we were responsible for finding a photo online and telling two different scenarios based on what we can extrapolate from the visual elements within the environment. The first, written in past tense, attempts to provide some sort of explanation for the state captured in the photo. The second, written in the present, detail how the events of the past are discovered or uncovered, either by the characters or the readers.

I chose a picture of the derelict Bang Lamphu shopping mall (otherwise known as the New World Mall) located in Bangkok, Thailand as my main source of inspiration. Both stories take place during an apocalyptic setting where the world was subjected to endless rain, flooding most areas and forcing people to group together in shelters. The first scenario was meant to be grim, while the second was meant to inspire hope.

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Story 1: Lost

The murky water surged forth with a thunderous roar. Charlie stood on the fourth floor, watching as the waves poured in and swept everything away. People he had only seen once were gone in an instant. It has been like that for a few years. Ever since the time when the rain never stopped falling, cities have been gradually submerged under water. It had gotten to the point where storm drains could no longer keep up with the never-ending flow of water. 

None of the scientists could explain this bizarre phenomenon and how it came to be. Religious groups tried to rationalize it as a test from the heavens, while conspiracy theorists took over the online forums with heated discussions of possible political party schemes. In the end, nothing was resolved, and the rain kept pouring. 

Charlie had been a sophomore in high school when the rain started. As much as he loathed it, he would’ve been in his senior year, studying in the library and hanging out with friends after school, had it not been for the rain. Those were the times he wished he could return to. Now, he was on the run with his mother and younger sister as they continued to search for shelters that would be able to withstand the storm. There weren’t many of them left. 

Charlie slowly reached over and carefully grabbed the rusted metal railing as he leaned forward, shifting his weight to his left side as he inched over. The mall wasn’t in great shape when they found it last night, and it didn’t look any better in the dim light that shone through the dilapidated ceiling. Doors hung from the hinges, broken glass littered the floor, and weathered paper clung to the walls like a second layer of wallpaper. A violent tug sent him reeling back from his observation, and he snapped his gaze over towards the culprit. 

“What are you doing?” His mother’s voice was tight, and her pupils shook with a thinly veiled rage. Her breathing trembled with each breath she took as she dragged him away from the ledge. 

He shook his mother’s grip off with a twist of his wrist before rubbing the sore area with the other hand. A frown twisted on his features, “Sorry, ma, I just wanted–” 

His mother shook her head as a weary sigh escaped her, “Save your breath. We have to keep moving.” 

She turned around as she hefted his sister up on her back to prevent her from slipping before glancing down at him and inclining her head. The weight of her gaze urged Charlie to continue walking despite the cramp in his calves. With each step taken, he suppressed a shiver, but whether it was due to the wind nipping at his exposed arms or the fear of walking into the unknown remained unresolved. 

There was nowhere else to go but onwards.

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Story 2: Found

“YAHOOOOO!” Myra’s voice echoes through the empty halls as she swings on one of the low hanging lights. 

Behind her is her friend, Peony, and her twin brother, Liam, who both share glances with one another. 

“Myra, get down from there. You’re going to hurt yourself,” Peony chides, placing both hands on her hips as she shakes her head in dismay. “What would you do if you fell into the water? Who knows what’ll be down there.” 

“Peony’s right, y’know! Don’t be a dummy and join us down here,” Liam exclaims while cupping his hands over his mouth. However, the wide grin that stretches across his face betrays his words. Myra has been doing these kinds of stunts since she was a kid. 

She lets out a burst of laughter before swinging forward and landing nimbly, while lifting her arms triumphantly in the air as if to proclaim ta-da! 

Liam whoops and hollers before he jogs up and slings an arm around her waist, tugging her into his chest. He chuckles as the air leaves her lungs in a short huff when she makes contact. A soft laugh escapes Peony as she walks over to join them; any concerns she has were immediately put to rest. 

“What am I going to do with you two.” 

Myra smiles sheepishly. “Sorry, Peony! It looked too fun to just leave it be.” 

“Yeah,” Liam snorts, “Myra here is a total rascal.” 

“Meanie.” She swivels around and punches him in the shoulder, smiling slightly when he winces in pain. 

“Don’t be too rough, Myra. We still have to scout. That’s why we’re out here, remember?” Peony reminds the both of them calmly as she begins to lead the group again. 

“I wish they told us more,” she grumbles. “I’m beginning to doubt that there’s anyone else alive.” 

Liam nods in agreement, “I feel ya, sis. It really feels like the world is still in that tiny sports stadium. I’m surprised it remained relatively untouched.”

“We should remain positive in this situation. Surely, we aren’t the only ones left.” 

“Well, what if we are, Peony? What if everyone is gone because they drowned, or got some disease, or–” 

“Listen, I think you’re overreacting a bit. We might not have seen anyone, but that doesn’t mean they’re all dead.” 

She sighs in defeat. “I know I shouldn’t be worried like this, but it’s a scary world out there when it’s this quiet. I bet this mall used to be bustling with people.” 

“I agree, but–” Peony suddenly quiets and squints at something in front of them. “... Do you see that light, guys?” 

“What light?” 

“That one.” She points to something flickering across from the mall. “It looks like a fire.” 

“What are we waiting for? Fire definitely means people! Let’s go!” 

Excitement returns to Myra tenfold, and all previous traces of her anxiety vanish into thin air as she grabs them both by the hand. Breaking into a run, she dashes toward the hope that they’ll be able to find someone that will tell them they were no longer alone.