Creating Cracks

In Green Valley City, the day started like any other, with the sun shining and a gentle breeze blowing through the streets. 

People went about their routines, chatting with neighbors and enjoying their day. 

Suddenly, the ground shook—a slight tremor at first, then a violent rumble like a heavy truck barreling down the street.

Conversations stopped as people glanced around, startled.

A mother pulled her child close, and an elderly man steadied himself against a wall.

The shaking intensified, rattling windows and causing loose items on porches to drop. 

A few kids giggled, thinking it was a game, but their laughter quickly turned to nervous whispers as the adults urged them to be quiet. 

Some even left their homes, afraid that it would collapse on them. 

As the shaking finally stopped, people began to step outside, looking at each other with a mix of relief and worry.