The Cul-de-Sac Crucible
The first rumble came just after midnight. Mira Patel jolted awake, her heart racing as the bed trembled beneath her. Earthquake? She fumbled for her phone, squinting at the bright screen. No alerts. A second tremor, stronger this time, sent a framed photo clattering to the floor. Mira leapt up, maternal instinct overriding confusion as she rushed to her son’s room. “Ethan!” She flung open the door to find the 12-year-old already sitting up, eyes wide with fear. ...