I filled a big plastic container with my clothes. I took my books off my shelves and stacked them high in my room so, just in case we did get water, they would be safe. I stacked everything atop my desk, bookshelf, and dresser, so it would all be safe.

… just in case we did get water, the books would be safe.

I looked at my pretty dress a lot that night. I was going to wear it to my senior prom this year. It was strapless, this beautiful shade of pastel pink.

It was just hanging in my near-empty closet. I wanted to bring it so badly, but Mama said no. No room for dresses, only necessities.