13 There is no way out

Back in the bunker, the situation was not any better than the USGS office. It was a tense and awkward situation for everyone.

" We cannot wait here any longer. We will be buried alive if we were to stay. We need to go out now!" Seth has made up his mind. After the radio call made by Benjamin, he is sure the lava has already reached Hilo during the call.

Ben's house was situated a bit further up on the hill away from the town of Hilo. Seth was unsure if Ben's house was a part of the lava's flow or not. All he is sure of is that the underground bunker did not experience any changes even after an hour has passed since the call. There is no increase in temperature or anything. They will be safe for now, but without food and water, they can't survive for long.

"Wait, don't be rash Seth! You heard what Benjamin said just now didn't you? There was fire everywhere, Hilo is done! Looking at the situation, help will only arrive after all the ashes and the lava's harden. It will be probably another a day or two, and then they will come and save us all." Ben explained to Seth while holding Seth's arm tightly. He is afraid that his brother will act rashly and put his life in danger.

Seth pushed away Ben's hand and retorted, "No, the lava might have diverted its path and it might did not even passed the garage and house. I just wanted to go outside and have a look. If we are lucky, I can bring us back some food and supply. There is nothing edible in this bunker. "

"I promise, I will be quick." Seth then looked at Jane and his daughter's faces.

"You might want to take this mask. It is a respirator with filters. Even if the lava did not reach over to our place, the air outside will be toxic enough to kill you if you go outside without any protection." Ben held up a respirator on his hand and handed the respirator to his brother reluctantly.

"Thanks Ben. I will be fine with this now." Seth held up the respirator up to his head, and he tightened the straps over his head. Adjusting the respirator on his face and making sure the mask fits perfectly on his face. Seth then patted Ben's shoulder before proceeding towards the bunker's steel door.

"No, I am coming with you too. I can't let you go out alone. It will be much faster if I follow with you. it is my house and I know where I put my stuff better than you do." Ben smiled at Seth and he quickly put on his respirator on his face.

"Please be careful both of you. Be safe." Jane helps both of them to open up the steel door and gave them both a tight hug. Lucy and Suzy also hug their father and uncle.

"We'll be fine. Don't worry." Ben said while knocking on his respirator. His action was signifying to Jane that with the respirator, they will be fine out there.

Looking at their situation now, Ben cannot thank his father in law enough for being an army enthusiast. There were enough respirators for each of them that were all still unboxed in the bunker!

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Once the steel door closed, Jane was left with her two daughters in the bunker. They both sat on each of Jane's sides. Jane hugged and kissed them on their forehead.

"They will be fine. Your dad will be fine, don't worry."

Jane then walked up to a nearby shelf and she started exploring around the bunker. Both of her daughters climbed up on a bed and closed their eyes, resting.

The bunker was quite spacious and well built. There were 2 bunk beds in the bunker that will accommodate up to 4 people. Jane then walked to the end of one of the bed where a small cabinet was mounted on the concrete wall. In the cabinet, Jane found many daily necessities that can be used in case of emergency. She also saw a few sets of clothing complete with underwear and socks, blankets, and toiletries all in a vacuum-sealed bags to maximize storage area and durability purposes.

Jane smiled. Who knew that one day, Ben's father in law wild imagination to live and survive inside this bunker came true? The old man prepared everything that can be used in case of a disaster strikes his family.

A mini sink that is equipped with a water tank was mounted on the left side of the bunker. There is a cabinet that is filled with towels and a complete medical kit. Next to the sink is a small square area that is small enough to fit a standing man, is a modern-looking compostable toilet.

"Lucy, Suzy, can you help and look around the bunker if there are any other hidden compartments?" Jane is sure that from the details of the bunker that the old man's built, he must put some food or water supply somewhere. It must be somewhere hidden...

As soon as Lucy got down from the bunker bed, a loud explosion was heard again.

"Aaargh!!" Lucy shouted. She was unstable and fall down the floor miserably. The room shook and lights started flickering as another earthquake started. Luckily the power was still there, and the bunker did not show any signs of damage from the quake.

The loud sound they heard was not as loud as the first one that they first heard when they were outside of the bunker. Probably because of the better insulation in the bunker dampen the sound of the second explosion.

"Mom, is that loud sound means another volcano has erupted?" Suzy ignores the quake that was still shaking the room as she ran and hug her mother in fright.

"I hope not sweetie. I hope not." Jane hugs her daughter tightly as her mind reach out to her husband's safety.