Storm

Two Friends Face Monster Irma

Author: Loekie Morales Illustrator: Penka Petkova

Author Loekie Morales

Special thanks to Riet Sint and Marianne Tefft for proofreading and Barbara van der Woude for translating the story.

Cover design:

Copyright:

Loekie Morales was born on the Dutch Caribbean island

Loekie Morales & Penka Petkova Loekie Morales, 2019

of Curaçao, and has lived in Sint Maarten since 2000.

Illustrations:

Penka Petkova

Writing stories is her passion. “I shall never forget tho-

Photos Poets:

Ingrid Holaman

se devastating moments during the passing of Hurrica-

Photos Hurricane:

Penka Petkova & Loekie Morales

Design:

ne Irma,” she says. “Like David, the main character in

HD ontwerp, Tilburg, The Netherlands

STORM, the fear was haunting me, but at a certain mo-

Translation from Dutch into English:

Barbara van der Woude

Proofreading:

Riet Sint and Marianne Tefft

ment I collapsed; miraculously, I slept through the pas-

Publisher:

Beyond Kultura Events Foundation

sing of that monster Irma. After the whole happening,

P.O. Box 734 Sint Maarten

Email:

beyondkultura@gmail.com or

beyondwriting@hotmail.com

Website:

ISBN / EAN:

my view of life has changed. I enjoy living much more and am thankful for even the little things in life.” photographer: Berber van Beek

www.beyondkulturaevents.com 978-94-91380099 (English)

Ilustrator Penka Petkova Penka Petkova is a Bulgarian Impressionist artist and il-

This book was originally written in Dutch and translated into English.

lustrator living in Sint Maarten. This is her second time

No part of this book may be reproduced and/or made public in any form, without written permission from the author or the publisher.

illustrating for a children’s book. Penka is honored to

This publication was made possible with financial contributions from The Representative of The Netherlands in Philipsburg, Nederlandse Taal Unie, Windward Island Bank, The Prince Bernhard Cultural Fund Caribbean, The Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten.

phenomena of climate change and hurricanes. “While

contribute to a story that teaches children about the working on the illustrations, I was reminded of the fear and uncertainty I felt during the hurricane, as well as the feeling of hope that ultimately helped me persevere after that challenging period,” she says. photographer: Pamela Saith

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Preface 5 The Hurricane Story: STORM 6

Sint Maarten will never forget Wednesday, September 6, 2017. That day, Category 5 hurricane Irma hit the Windward Islands of Sint Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius.

Wind speeds of 200 miles per hour ravaged the islands, especially Sint Maarten. We will remember Irma as a hurricane of epic magnitude and enormous damage. The devastation on Sint Maarten and other Caribbean islands was huge, as was the upheaval.

The infrastructure of Sint Maarten was severely damaged. The airport was obstructed and the port was inaccessible. Streets were filled with debris. Cars were overturned or floating in the streets, and trucks and sea containers were blown upside down. Boats were thrown on land; hotels, houses and shops were flooded. Homes no longer had roofs and became uninhabitable.

The hospital was only partly open, and the fire brigade and Coast Guard support center were seriously hit. Government buildings were temporarily closed. The zoo was wiped out and has not reopened.

Telephone and internet communications were virtually impossible in the first two to three weeks after the storm. A lot of stores and businesses were looted. While aid was on its way, tens of thousands of residents had to manage on their own. Patients in urgent need of help were evacuated by military aircraft just in time.

Chapter 1: Best Friends and Good Weather

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Chapter 2: Trouble in the Air

9

Chapter 3: The Monster Slams Its Tail

12

Chapter 4: Close Call

19

Chapter 5: The Tide Has Turned

25

Chapter 6: Sunshine after the Rain

28

Chapter 7: Hope Springs Eternal

33

Chapter 8: Being Grateful

37

The Winning Hurricane Poems

43

Now, two years after Irma, much has been cleared; however, we are not there yet. But we will overcome with the resilience of the Sint Maarten population and with good COOPERATION - local, regional and international on Climate Actions. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/climate-change/ and https://www.un.org/en/actnow/

List of Words, Proverbs and Expressions

54

SXM STRONG!

A large part of the community was deprived of basic necessities. Prime Minister Mark Rutte sent a message from The Netherlands: “We will not abandon Sint Maarten.” The Netherlands sent water, food packages, medicines, tents and tarps. Marines were put in place to assist the emergency services and supervise evacuations. They also helped clear the roads. Soldiers and marines from the Marechaussee supported the local authorities to maintain public order. A night-time curfew was imposed.

Hurricane. What is this frightening phenomenon? Are we powerless against this force of nature or is it a “man-made monster”?

Hurricane Irma made a huge impression on me. I am pleased that meteorologists now have good warning systems at their disposal; many lives were saved. I hope that readers, especially the youthful ones, will better understand the hurricane phenomenon and its causes and consequences. We hope we can turn the tide as much as possible by cleaning up our act, literally.

Are you ready to fly into the STORM?

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Other Books by Loekie Morales

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Loekie Morales 5

The sky is clear blue. The hills are all shades of green. David and his best friend, Tony, are walking along the road. David lives in Belvedere, a neighborhood on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten. This neighborhood borders the French part of the island. David often hangs out with Tony. Tony lives further out in Dutch Quarter. The boys are on their way to the border monument. This monument marks the border of Dutch Sint Maarten and the French side, Saint Martin.

The boys are running along the road.

“The sun is stinging,” Tony shouts. He rubs the sweat from his forehead. He starts walking again.

“You look red,” says David, panting. “The sun seems to be brighter lately. It’s also quite dry.”

“That’s what my grandfather in Santo Domingo says,” Tony agrees. “It’s like the dry periods are getting even drier. According to him, the climate is changing.”

“How’s your grandfather?” David asks.

“Good,” Tony replies. “I miss Grandpa. Daddy calls me every week. Of course, I miss Dad, too. Yet I no longer want to live in Santo Domingo, even though I was born there.”

“What do you mean?” asks David.

“Then I would have to manage without you, right?” Tony winks at his friend.

David and Tony continue hiking, past a few bushes and past the border monument. They have horse friends on the French side. David can see them in the distance.

“YESSSS! There they are!” he says, relieved. “Fortunately, our friends are near.”

“We’re coming!” Tony jumps up and waves at the animals. The boys are approaching the horses. The white horse with the brown spots is a mare.

“Hai, Pinta,” says Tony. He has made up that name. David has named the other horse, a brown stallion, Jingo.

The horses are approaching the fence. They wave their tails cheerfully when they see the boys. Pinta and Jingo hang their heads over the fence. The boys stroke the horses’ noses.

“Pinta, I’m so happy to see you again,” Tony says softly. His face touches Pinta’s nose. David pats Jingo.

The boys take a few carrots out of their pockets. Pinta and Jingo eat from their hands. The horses chew their carrots as if they were eating candy. The boys crawl under the fence and walk up to the water basin.

“Look, empty again,” says David indignantly. He stamps his foot angrily. “How can the owner neglect the horses this way?”

David and Tony each take two bottles from their backpacks. The bottles are filled with rainwater from the deep well. They pour the water into the empty basin. Pinta and Jingo slurp up the water in a matter of seconds.

“Come on, we have to go,” says David.

“We’ll be back in a few days!” Tony whispers into Pinta’s ear. David sees that Tony has a hard time saying goodbye to Pinta.

Tony’s voice sounds a little sad every time he leaves Pinta. Maybe it has something to do with his mother, David thinks. Tony’s mother left Tony with his father when he was a toddler.

The boys stroke the horses. Then they walk back towards the border.

“If Aunt Esperanza would see me here on the French side,” Tony says, “she would get over-concerned again.”

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“Well, does that surprise you?” David replies. “She’s responsible for you.”

Tony nods. “When Daddy calls, he always asks her the same thing: ‘Is Tony drinking enough water? Does he take his medication on time? Does he watch how much salt he’s taking in? Is he eating his veggies?

His cholesterol shouldn’t be too high!’ That’s something in your blood. Auntie is losing it!” Tony looks away for a moment. “Dad always says to me, Remember, no chips!”

“I can imagine his concern,” says David. “You are sick quite often. That kidney crisis the other day really scared everyone! Fortunately, the hospital dialyzed you just in time.”

“I’m fine again,” Tony says cheerfully. “I check my pee for proteins every four days.” He turns up his nose. “And I take my medication right on time. I don’t want to get sick! “ They are approaching the main road. Cars and buses speed by. Some drivers honk when they cross the border monument.

“Hey, David, can we celebrate our birthdays together this weekend?” Tony asks.

“Oh, yes, I completely forgot to tell you!” A big smile appears on David’s face. “My parents said we could have our birthday party at our place next Saturday.”

“YESSSSSS!” Tony smiles and gives his friend a high five. “My aunt always approves when I visit you. She thinks it’s special that our birthdays are exactly one day apart. Auntie says that can’t be a coincidence.”

“My mother thinks so, too,” says David. “Mama is going to bake a big cake for us. We can cut it together next Saturday.”

“Your mother is always so sweet,” says Tony. “I wish I still had mine.”

David puts his arm around his friend’s shoulder. “We’ll make it a great party for the both of us,” he says.

The boys stop and give each other a fist bump.

“See you on the school bus tomorrow,” Tony says.

“Be on time! You can’t miss another school day!” David urges.

Tony crosses the road quickly and walks towards his house.

8

The next day, the weather has changed. A strong wind has come up. Aunt Esperanza turns on the radio.

The announcer’s voice sounds concerned.

“Listeners, as you know by now, hurricane season is here. We’ve received an alarming message from the meteorological service. We’ve been warned about a severe hurricane in the Atlantic. This hurricane goes by the name of Irma, and she’s heading towards Sint Maarten. She’s now a Category 3 storm with wind speeds of 110 to 130 miles per hour.”

“Tony!” shouts Auntie.

Tony comes immediately and sits down next to her at the table.

“The meteorological service reported that a storm is coming.”

“A hurricane?” Tony asks.

Auntie nods. “We have to prepare quickly. I don’t have everything we need at home yet!” Auntie gets up and nervously walks up and down the kitchen.

Tony leans forward to get close to the radio speakers. He listens to the news with his ears pricked up.

“Remove all the debris in your garden. Don’t forget the important things, especially the first-aid kit.

Communication with the outside world is important during the storm. Make sure you have a radio and batteries.”

Auntie nervously tears a sheet from the notepad on the table. She scratches her forehead.

“Tony, go check the pantry,” she urges. “See if we have two flashlights and enough batteries.”

Tony opens the cupboard. He moves his eyes up and down, left to right.

“We have 10 large batteries for the radio,” he replies. “They’re still in the package. I see the red and the yellow flashlight. Wait, I’ll check immediately whether they work!” Tony clicks the flashlights on and off.

“Works!” he shouts.

Auntie nods and gives a thumbs-up. She joins Tony to inspect the cupboard. She counts the cans of food and the bottles of water.

“We don’t have enough to eat and drink,” she says in a concerned tone.

Auntie also looks quickly in the bathroom cabinet.

“Oh, shucks! The first-aid kit isn’t complete,” she says. “The gauze pads, adhesive plasters and emergency bandages are there. But the Betadine bottle, the iodine and the bottle of disinfectant are almost empty.”

She immediately makes a shopping list.

“Come quickly, we have to get extra groceries from the convenience store.” Auntie’s voice is shaky.

Tony and his aunt get into the car. As they drive, Tony sees everyone busy preparing. People close their windows. Some tidy up their yards.

“What a traffic jam. It seems like we’re barely making any progress. Everyone suddenly goes to the store now,” Auntie notes.

The store shelves are almost empty.

“Boy, we’re too late,” grumbles Auntie. “Everyone is hoarding!”

Auntie takes three large water bottles. An old man tries to grab one. He looks at Auntie sadly. Auntie gives him a bottle of water.

9

“Thank you very much,” the man says and brings his hand to his heart.

“My home isn’t exactly hurricane-proof, so I’ll take important things to the shelter,” he says. Fear resonates in his voice. He squeezes the bottle tightly to his chest and walks to the cash register with a slight hunch.

Auntie and Tony pay for their groceries and drive home.

“The streets seem a little less crowded than before,” says Auntie.

Tony looks at the trees along the way. The wind is lashing the treetops. People nervously head for their homes or safe places. Auntie and Tony are approaching their wooden house. It is located next to the container home of their Dominican neighbor.

At home, Auntie immediately turns on the radio. The announcer keeps pouring out information.

“Are your pets well protected? In case of evacuation, are you packed and prepared? Passports and cash on hand? Are your hurricane shutters functioning?”

Tony listens carefully. “I’m so glad that the schools are closed,” he says.

“The Minister of Education has handled that well,” replies Auntie. “Some schools serve as shelters for people who have no safe housing.”

The neighbor is knocking at the front door. “Have you heard yet?” he asks nervously.

Auntie and Tony look up.

“Irma is no joke,” the neighbor grumbles. “It appears to be a higher category storm than predicted.

Much stronger than Hurricane Luis in 1995, and that one was devastating. Let’s hope the plywood is anchored firmly on your windows. “ “Well, then, I’m glad you helped me.” Auntie looks gratefully at the neighbor.

“Are you in your metal container?” Tony asks.

The neighbor nods. “That can take a hit. I also boarded up the windows well.”

Auntie wipes drops of sweat off her face with the sleeve of her blouse.

“Nothing was ever the same after Hurricane Luis,” she says, shaking her head.

Tony can see the fear on Auntie’s face.

“Neighbors,” says the neighbor, after a deep sigh. “We’ve done what was necessary in our yards!”

“The gardener said during cleaning that all loose materials become lethal objects during the storm,” notes Tony.

“Yes,” adds Auntie. “With a wind that strong, loose objects quickly become deadly weapons.”

The neighbor is holding a sheet of paper with something written in ink.

“Here, Tony,” he says. “Take this, and keep it safe. I have one myself.”

Tony takes the paper from his hands. There are some emergency telephone numbers on it.

Tony scans the numbers for the Red Cross, Fire department, Police, Security Corps and so on.

“Thank you, neighbor,” he says and hands it over to his aunt.

“The newscaster has just listed all shelters. These are safe places for people to sit out the storm. Government opened them,” says the neighbor.

“Yes,” confirms Auntie. “They are churches, schools and community centers.

“There seem to be more shelters now than during the last hurricane,” she adds. “Probably because more people have moved to Sint Maarten. Government opens the shelters and the Royal Dutch Marechaussee guard them.”

“Keep following the messages on the radio,” the neighbor warns before disappearing from the doorway. “Pay special attention to the weather reports.”

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“Sure, that radio stays on all day, neighbor. If necessary, all night, as long as we have batteries,” Auntie calls after him.

The announcer lists a few telephone numbers.

“Hey, we don’t have those phone numbers,” Auntie notes.

Tony takes a pen and immediately writes the new numbers on the notepad. He also notes the shelters in their neighborhood.

In Belvedere, David and his parents are prepared. They understand that Hurricane Irma is going to be a strong one. David’s father has made preparations bit by bit. Since Hurricane Luis in 1995, he knows much better how to secure the house and family.

“The weather seems different this year,” Father says. “Waiting until the last hour is playing with fire. I’m glad I boarded the windows with plywood in time.”

“Hurricane Luis really hit us hard. We lost so much then. But, luckily, we now have extra insurance,” David’s mother adds.

When they drive into the garage, the light goes out. Father closes the garage door. They enter the house quickly. Inside, it’s warm and dark, now that the windows are covered with plywood. Outside, gusts of wind flare up unpredictably. They become more intense and rain begins to splatter.

“That’s when it starts,” warns Father. He turns on the radio.

The warnings sound more urgent, more serious by the minute. Father turns up the volume.

“Listeners, the sky above our island is now packed with heavy, dark clouds. Irma has grown into a Category 4 hurricane. She’s moving at great speed in our direction. She’ll be here in a few hours. We cannot warn you enough: please stay inside. Home is where the heart is! Better safe than sorry. Quickly, find the nearest shelter, if your house is not safe,” repeats the newsreader.

David listens attentively. The warnings are repeated over and over, with an ever more serious tone.

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“Irma is getting closer,” the radio announces. “Yes, she will pass above our island. The meteorological service is clear about that. Please, leave rooms with more than one window. It’s no longer safe to stay there. Keep calm and stay in your secure place until the danger has passed.”

He sees that Father holds Mama firmly.

“It will be okay,” he whispers in her ear. David can see his mother trembling.

Father makes the sign of the cross with his hand. “Fortunately, our house is hurricane-proof,” he says.

“Let’s hope for the best,” sighs Mama.

David sees Mama looking at him in despair.

Father takes a sturdy, transparent plastic bag from the drawer of the display cabinet. It holds their passports and insurance papers.

“Come on,” he says decisively. “We better hide in the bathroom upstairs. It has only a small window.”

He checks whether all windows and doors are closed properly. David’s parents go up the stairs.

“David, are you taking the radio to the bathroom?” Father asks. He turns on the flashlight in the bathroom.

Downstairs, David quickly takes the radio off the table. Even in the dark, he knows exactly where it is.

He can feel it. He takes the lamp and switches it on immediately. Now he can distinguish the steps of the stairs. Once upstairs, he wants to place the lamp on the bathroom rack. His parents drag a mattress out of the storage room. David focuses the light beam on the bathroom doorway. His parents push in the mattress.

David and Mama get a few bottles of water from the next room. They put those on the bathroom rack.

They also put packets of nuts up there. Moments later, Father closes the bathroom door. The three of them sit on the mattress.

Suddenly, David asks: “Daddy, do you hear that? It’s fierce! But how do hurricanes start, and why do they happen at this time of year? “ “Those enormous whirlwinds are dangerous. They often originate on the African continent. They begin as small storms,” Father explains.

“Yes,” Mama adds, “our seawater is the warmest between June and November. When those winds cross the warm Atlantic, they grow. Through evaporation, they become gigantic clouds.”

“Absolutely true,” Father continues. “They have plenty of space at sea. There they grow into major tropical depressions. They can reach huge wind speeds.”

At that moment, they hear the radio: “Monster storms, such as Irma, can reach wind speeds of more than 150 miles per hour. They can rain more than 40 million bathtubs of water per day. The winds can turn debris into lethal weapons. That happens in a matter of seconds. The streams of water can wash away buildings. They display such enormous power.”

David looks at Mama with wide eyes.

“Pffffffft,” Father sighs deeply. “Listen to those crazy winds out there.”

Suddenly they hear heavy thunder, accompanied by heavy rain.

“Listen,” says David. “The rain is getting stronger.” He looks worriedly at the ceiling.

Suddenly, they hear a scream outside. Mama covers her ears with her hands.

At the same time, she cries with fear, “Noooooooo!” She says a quick prayer.

David feels Mama’s panic. Now it seems he feels it to the bone. Mama huddles close to Father.

“Hold your breath, honey. This could take a while,” he warns. Then he immediately reassures them. “But we’re safe in here.”

13

David also gets closer to Father. Now it sounds like everyone out there is in a hurry.

David is certain they are looking for a hiding place. He closes his eyes. I don’t want to be scared, I’m not afraid, he keeps repeating to himself. I have to be brave. Always and everywhere, although there is danger. That’s what Dad is like, he thinks.

Ah, Mama, David thinks. She’s trembling with fear. I feel so sorry for her. Hurricane Luis was a real blow for her, and now this. If only the hurricane would pass soon.

The horrible thunder and violent noise of flying objects drive him crazy. But as the hours pass, David hardly hears the raging. It feels like his head is full of all that. Fortunately, Father turns off the radio.

Then it’s quiet for a moment. Silent? Windless? You could hear a pin drop.

David doesn’t hear anything. “Is this the calm before the storm?” he asks.

“We’re in the hurricane’s eye: no wind, no rain,” Father whispers and sighs.

David sees that Mama’s eyes are closed.

“Did Mommy fall asleep, Dad?” David whispers.

“Shh!” Father signals. “Just let her be.”

David also feels tired. His legs are cramped from lying in one place. He tries a different position. At the same time, he would like to open a window. He wants to take a look at how things are out there. He pulls up the sheet.

David just put his head on the pillow when he hears heavy rain again.

“Will you try to get some sleep, too?” He barely hears Father’s voice.

It’s starting to rain harder. More noises arise. This time, there are no people sounds. They hear only wind. Howling wolf sounds. Cracking of trees. Banging of loose materials. David covers his ears with his hands. He doesn’t want to hear. He closes his eyes. He hears Father connect the headphones to the radio.

The newsreader’s voice sounds far away. David can follow it, anyway.

“People, all service providers are closed. This monstrous hurricane is now even more intense. It is not over yet. Leave immediately if your home is not strong enough. If necessary, take refuge in a shelter for your own safety. “ The announcer keeps repeating, “Especially if you’re unsure whether your home is a safe place to stay...”

The meteorological service seems tireless, with reports that the waves on the coast are high and wild.

“People, you can only change location quickly during the eye,” announces the newscaster.

“The eye of the storm has already passed, right?” David hears Father whisper.

It’s as if my father is talking to the radio, David thinks.

“Act wisely,” the announcer continues. “Irma has grown into a huge monster. She left a neighboring island in ruins...”

David hears Father turning off the radio again. Father takes a deep breath.

“Dear Lord, assist those who don’t have solid homes,” Father whispers.

For the first time, David hears fear in Father’s voice. He really doesn’t want to hear it. He wants to cry. I have to be brave. Be brave, be brave, he tells himself.

David hears a great roar on the roof. He feels intense fear rising up from his belly. David covers his head with his pillow and starts crying.

The thunder roars so strongly that Father doesn’t even hear me, he thinks.

The howls and thunder become wilder and more intense. The noise penetrates deep into David’s ears, just as he almost falls asleep. David pulls the pillow tightly to his head, but that doesn’t help.

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In his imagination, David sees a gigantic monster. Like a huge cloud with bright, fiery eyes. This furious storm is thumping and rattling like crazy on our front door, on our roof, on our windows. It’s as if she wants to come in. As if she wants to attack us in here, he thinks.

In his mind, he sees the monster above their house. She spits out powerful winds and rushes past. She pulls off roofs and throws them far away. She furiously tears old trees from the ground. “KKKRRRRRRRRIIIISSSSS! GRRRRRRRIIIIISSSSHHHH! BRAHAAAAKKKK, BRAAAAAMMMM, BRAKADAMMMMMBANG! BRRRRRRRKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKRRRRRRR!” The house seems to be shaking all around.

David presses the pillow harder against his head. The sounds bring nasty images to his mind. The monster blows cars and mopeds into the air. All evil comes from her fury. As long as she rages, those images won’t let him go.

David shakes, and he shivers with fear. He wants to cry, but a strong boy must be able to take on a little wind. I have to be brave. But this? This isn’t just wind, David thinks. I can’t come up with a name for this horrible violence.

He imagines running downstairs. He wants to keep the rattling door shut. The fear gradually starts to possess him. He thinks of Tony. Can Auntie’s wooden house resist this violence? Can it withstand these powerful gusts of wind? Does Tony have enough medication and water at home? David wants to scream in fear, but he knows it’s no use. Nobody hears me in this deafening noise, he thinks. He keeps his eyes tightly closed. Words and sentences come to him: Thunderous atmosphere outside

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The sound of uprooted trees

Broken walls

Cracked foundations

Chaos everywhere

Total destruction

Fear breaks loose and I am facing death

Ghosts all around me

The door torn from my grasp

Where, oh, where can we really be safe?

17

Hours later, a loud bang wakes David. He doesn’t even know what time he fell asleep. He’s alone in the bathroom. Fortunately, everything is in one piece. He rubs his eyes and quickly looks in the mirror. Relieved, he breathes. Is he dreaming or is this real? He brings his hands to his chocolate-brown cheeks.

Then he shoves his hands through his frizzy curls. He squeezes his left arm hard.

“I’m alive,” he whispers softly, feeling the pain. He can hardly believe his own voice. Quickly, he opens the bathroom door. Where are my parents? he thinks.

He immediately opens the door to their bedroom.

“Whhhhaaaaaaatttt!” He screams in shock. The ceiling is ripped and has come down completely. Large pieces of ceiling lie on his parents’ bed. It’s a good thing they weren’t there. He runs downstairs.

Through the open front door, he sees Mama and some neighbors standing outside. Fortunately, they all survived the hurricane, without too much damage. They look around in shock. When David stands at the doorway, he sees it clearly. It’s real havoc out there. He runs to his mother and hugs her.

“The coast is clear again, boy. We survived,” Mama says, relieved. She strokes his curly hair.

“The roof of your bedroom has collapsed, Mama. The ceiling came down...” David says in pain.

“Yes, it was a close call,” replies Mama. “We’re still here, boy. That’s the only thing that counts. Being alive is the most valuable gift we have.”

“Amen. We are strong! SXM STRONG,” some neighbors call out.

“We’re strong,” repeats Mama, her voice hoarse.

“Where’s Daddy?” David asks. His mother points down the street. David pulls on his sneakers and runs towards him. Father is clearing the street with a few neighbors. They throw heaps of waste into the large container on the corner.

David helps, but his thoughts keep wandering off to Tony. He suddenly feels anxious. How is his friend?

Has their house survived? He wants to ask Father, but, no, not now. Daddy is helping the neighbors.

Later that afternoon, Father takes pictures of water damage inside the house.

“That’s important for the insurance,” Mama remarks.

Mama notices that David is tired. He also looks worried. She sits down next to David. She places her arm over his shoulder.

“I understand you want to see your friend, David,” Mama sighs, “but that’s impossible now. The radio just reported that people aren’t allowed to leave their neighborhoods. Soldiers patrol everywhere. Phones don’t work, either. There’s no electricity, and it might take days before it comes back on. Patience is a virtue.”

David has no appetite.

A neighbor comes to the doorway.

“Have you heard?” he asks.

“The radio reports that people are raiding stores. They are looting Kooyman and ACE. It’s every man for himself out there. Those people just ignore the rules. But do you know what? Crime doesn’t pay. You reap what you sow. Someday, they’ll be punished,” the neighbor warns.

“Isn’t it terrible? After all the misery, those bums still dare to steal? Shameful!” Mama complains.

“By the way, have you heard the radio?” the neighbor asks. “The announcer just named all the roads that are blocked or flooded. This catastrophe is beyond anything we’ve ever seen!”

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“That’s right, I heard something like that,” replies Father.

“Large structures have come down. Some buildings have enormous cracks. The power of these winds is extreme,” the neighbor explains.

“Not just the wind. It’s the rain that really causes a disaster on top of this catastrophe,” adds Mama.

“I wonder what will happen if the tourists stay away?” the neighbor worries. “And if the government has no income? Then I can tell my salary goodbye. How will I pay my rent and car loan?” The neighbor brings her hands to her head.

“Well, I think you’re right. I heard that some ocean-front hotels are damaged severely. The powerful swells even destroyed foundations. Gigantic water surges entered buildings in the coastal zone, and some have collapsed. Where will the hotel employees find work?”

David stares ahead. The adults’ conversation goes past him.

My problem may seem small, but it’s life-size, he thinks. Tony – how’s he doing? He’s been in poor health for as long as I’ve known him, David thinks.

David goes up the stairs, but the lament goes on. “Continuous rainfall has caused a lot of damage,” the radio announces. “Floods have pushed everything away. There’s total destruction in Philipsburg, Cole Bay and Simpson Bay. People in the coastal areas suffer a lot...”

Now, David catches only the main words that the announcer says.

“Houses pressed against houses, cars pushed into cars… some upside down… trees across roads … homes shifted from their foundations… buildings shaky… roofs collapsed.”

It’s a madhouse out there, thinks David. He realizes again that he must be extra brave. He must give his parents a helping hand with cleaning up.

“We should be happy. We don’t have much damage. Only the collapsed ceiling on the top floor and the water damage downstairs,” says Mama. “Not nearly as bad as these radio reports.”

It’s like Mama says: we survived well, David thinks. He looks at himself in the mirror. He pulls himself together and walks down the stairs.

At the front door, David looks up. The sky is clear blue. But the hills seem to be covered by a gray-brown blanket. The trees look sad. All the leaves are gone. Some tree trunks have snapped; other trees are uprooted. For the first time, it looks like Northern winter in this tropical country.

“A hot winter, what a strange image,” David whispers. It seems so unreal. But it’s as true as I’m standing here, he contemplates.

The announcer’s voice sounds from the radio inside.

“Irma is a real monster. She almost completely destroyed the Caribbean island of Barbuda. The residents have fled to sister island Antigua. On our neighboring island of Anguilla, Irma has left less chaos. She’s now on her way to the Virgin Islands and Florida, on the southeastern coast of the U.S. This monster is many times worse than Hurricane Luis. People, please keep your children indoors. Trees have been torn apart and block the streets. Aid organizations have a difficult time passing certain roads. Hydro poles are down in some areas.

“The wind could suddenly change direction. Neighbors, please take care of each other. Stay in your own area. Dutch soldiers are guarding the neighborhood boundaries. The Government of Sint Maarten has just reported that clean water and food are on their way, coming from The Netherlands. The VKS will help with the distribution of water and food. Patience is a virtue.”

The radio host says heavy containers have been found at great distances. David thinks of the container home of Tony’s neighbor. His legs feel shaky. Is the ground shifting? He wonders. He feels as if he could fall over any moment.

20

21

Later that afternoon, Father goes down the street to help the neighbors.

“We still have to move a lot of waste into containers,” he says.

David comes to help. For the first time, he sees some frightened faces.

“There’s litter everywhere. It’s even hanging from the trees,” Father remarks.

David looks around with wide eyes. Rain puddles are everywhere. His shoes sink deep into the water.

Some neighbors are wearing gloves. David puts them on, too.

“Safety first,” Father says, nodding at David.

David helps the men drag waste to the giant containers. The Department of Infrastructure Management has placed them on the corner of the street.

A little later, when they take a break, David drinks warm lemon water. He misses the ice cubes, but without electricity, there are no cold drinks. He wipes the sweat off his forehead.

David suddenly thinks about the horses, Pinta and Jingo. How are they? Did the owner bring them in on time? He looks at the sky and closes his eyes. In his imagination, he sees the horses.

Our favorite horses lift us above the land, just like Pegasus. Here on the island it looks creepy, like a war movie. In the air, we are freed from this mess. We fly happily through the sky. Tony sits on his beautiful Pinta and I ride my magical Jingo. We commute between heaven and earth. We have a helicopter view.

Now we can have a better look at the chaos. We’re happy because we feel safe. Up here, we enjoy this unique flight. Our birthday flight.

David is smiling. He is even amused. For a moment, he feels completely happy.

“Dave, pay attention! Are you with us?” Father calls.

Suddenly, David returns from his daydream.

“Uhmmm, that’s easier said than done,” he whispers.

Still, David thinks, there’s hope. Especially when he sees how all the neighbors help each other.

He hears a neighbor say, “No news is good news. As long as we don’t hear anything else, the hurricane is really over.”

Should I start thinking that way? David wonders. Does that apply to Tony, too?

How are Pinta and Jingo? Did their owner keep them safe?

David is in a daze. He doesn’t know if he should be happy or not.

22

23

Another day passes. There’s still no electricity or running water. Outside, it’s hot; inside, it’s stuffy. Life is suddenly so different, David thinks. Neighbors who never said as much as hello to each other suddenly sit together. They help each other and eat together on the porch. David doesn’t know what to think.

He barely sleeps at night after the passing of the hurricane. He keeps waking up. Fear keeps getting the better of him. He hasn’t heard from Tony, either.

“Tomorrow is my birthday,” says David. “But I don’t feel like celebrating. Not like this and not without Tony.”

“No one can do anything about this.” Mama tries to calm him down.

David doesn’t know what to do. He is bored.

“We can’t just go to another neighborhood, David,” Mama warns him. “You need an official hurricane pass from the authorities for that. There’s a curfew. We must take the rules seriously.”

Father comes in. “The radio is our best friend these days,” he says. “It keeps us company for the time being and informs us about everything that is going on in the neighborhoods. Those announcers work 24 hours a day. Fortunately, radio hosts can alternate. They feel the needs of the people and give us strength, despite the grim stories. These are tough times.”

David only half-listens. He is thinking about Tony. He wants to get to the roundabout, but there could be soldiers there. Should he secretly try to visit his friend? David tries to send a message to Tony, but neither text nor voice messages go through. He would like to cut the cake with Tony on Saturday. But that’s no longer possible, he fears.

In the late afternoon, the radio suddenly plays a different tune.

“There’s now a bit of electricity in a few neighborhoods. In some, it’s still on and off, but it’s positive,” reports the announcer.

People call the radio station. They are happy that the storm is far away. They are grateful for electricity again in some places, even if it is only occasional.

A lady tells about her anxious moments. Others say they are grateful to be alive. Still others ask if the planes are flying and how they can get out of the country quickly. Most people give their full names and details openly.

“The radio now resembles a telephone service. Everyone can get in touch with each other there,” remarks Father.

The newsreader suddenly makes a serious announcement: “Listeners, a boy has been found unconscious near a container,” he says. “A neighbor says the boy has kidney problems. He asks how they can get that boy to the hospital. His aunt could not get away by car.

A tree across the road blocks all transportation to and from them.”

The radio host asks which neighborhood they are in, and on which street. The caller says that they are at a shelter and gives the exact location.

David freezes.

“But, Mama, that’s the shelter nearby. That must be Tony!” he shouts. “Auntie’s house must have been damaged. Tony needs to be dialyzed regularly. Who knows what went wrong! We have to get there!”

Mama turns up the volume.

“Stay on the line, sir,” the radio host instructs. “We’ve called the ambulance. Can you and your neighbors get the boy off the road? Protect him from the bright sun, and wait there. Make sure those responsible for him are with him. They must have his passport and medication, if any, with them.”

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25

“How terrible for Tony,” Father murmurs.

David and his parents hurry to the shelter. It is in the church next to the community center. Walking is hard. There are boulders, bottles, tins, pots and pans on the street and bulky waste everywhere. They see crooked lamp-posts and gutters hanging in trees. Electric wires dangle dangerously over the road.

“I’ve never seen so much junk. It looks like we’re at war,” Father sighs.

Now David can get a better look at what Irma has done. He feels numb when he sees cars lying upside down against the houses. He can hardly move. Over there, a deformed container looks like it’s trying to hug the community center. David almost faints at the smell of waste and other materials.

Mama and Father look around the community center. The windows are broken. There’s no one in sight.

They pass the church and see its roof has collapsed.

David sees big holes. But, wait, wasn’t that church a shelter? Were there any people there during Irma?

Where will they go now? he wonders.

“How is this possible?” Mama cries.

In his mind, David wants to do everything. He wants to help and visit the horses. But all that’s impossible. Tony comes before everything, David thinks. He’s in need now. He’s my best friend.

Suddenly, they see Tony’s neighbor on the church sidewalk.

‘Where’s Tony?” David asks. The neighbor looks desperate and silently points down the road.

David and his parents run that way. Auntie is standing next to Tony. She has her hands in her hair. Tony is on a stretcher. His skin is pale. His eyes are closed.

“He was in a lot of pain, but now he’s hardly responding,” Auntie says. She is crying. Mama comforts her by taking her hand.

Auntie pulls the sheet over Tony. Father, the neighbor and a few other men carry Tony to the large roundabout. David, Mama and Auntie walk along.

“Hang in there, friend,” whispers David. He feels powerless.

Fortunately, it doesn’t take long.

“The ambulance is already arriving,” the neighbor shouts.

David runs to the ambulance and waves. He gestures frantically to show where the ambulance should park. It’s all over in a flash. Within a few seconds, the staff put Tony in the ambulance. Auntie joins them. The staff close the door.

“The radio reported today that the airport building was badly damaged. Let’s hope there’s a plane that can fly Tony out,” Father says worriedly.

With a heavy heart, David watches the ambulance drive over the large roundabout towards Princess Juliana International Airport.

26

27

Today is David’s birthday.

When his parents call him, it stays quiet upstairs. Mama knocks on the door. Carefully, she opens it slightly. David’s head is underneath his pillow. Mama tickles him near his belly. David is startled and howls.

“Maaaaahhhhh!” he shouts. Mama laughs and sits on the edge of his bed.

“Congratulations, my boy.” She gives him a warm hug. Father comes in and gives David a poke and a pat on his head.

“We still have no power, and no running water, either,” Mama says.

“But that can’t spoil your birthday, can it?” Father chuckles.

David is awake, but still sleepy. He yawns and looks around. Fortunately, his bedroom has not been damaged. But he still has to get used to it.

“Are you coming down soon?” Mama asks.

“We have a special breakfast for you.” Father smiles.

His parents close the door behind him and go downstairs.

When David opens his bedroom door, he sees that the staircase is decorated.

Wow, so beautiful and colorful! That’s awesome, he thinks. He smiles weakly. Sadness overwhelms him.

How is Tony? Is he thinking of me? I’m sorry Tony can’t be here today.

David takes some water from a tub that his parents filled before the storm. He brushes his teeth and washes up carefully. It takes some getting used to, washing up like this out of the barrel, with only little bits of water, he thinks. He then walks downstairs.

How beautiful that Mama has decorated the sitting room. This year it seems even nicer than the last.

Yet for the first time he doesn’t think his birthday is important. What is there to celebrate when Tony is sick and there are so many calamities? he thinks.

He sits down at the table. His father takes a picture of him on his beautifully decorated chair.

Mama has put Johnny cake with chocolate spread on his plate. She has made chocolate milk from Droste cocoa powder, a little water and instant milk powder. David is amazed that Mama could find his favorite breakfast food. He is happy to be spoiled on his birthday. His parents give him his favorite menu with all the bells and whistles.

After breakfast, he unwraps his gift. It’s in a long box. What is it? When he tears off the wrapping paper, he still has no clue. Then he opens the box.

A poster? He rolls it out curiously.

“Wooooooooooooww, now I see it. That’s amazing!” he calls out.

A beautiful brown horse shines on the poster. David flies into Father’s arms and hugs him firmly. Then he hugs Mama, too.

“Thank you, Dad. Thank you very much, Mama. This is a great gift!” he shouts.

“You can hang it on your bedroom door,” his father suggests.

‘Good idea! Let’s do it right away!” David cries.

Father immediately takes the double-sided tape. David feels super-happy.

“What a beautiful picture. Now my room is completely finished,” he says after the job. Father is smiling.

“Will he get a name?” Father asks.

“Yes, of course: Jingo. This magnificent brown stallion looks a lot like him.” David is beaming. Father 28

heads down the stairs.

David stares at his poster. He thinks about Jingo again. He places his hand on the horse’s head on the poster.

“I want to see you so badly. I really hope everything is all right with you, Jingo,” he whispers.

David feels concerned. On the inside, he feels great turmoil and agitation. His stomach hurts. He must do something right now. He realizes that he’s not allowed to cross the French border. Then tears appear in his eyes. He sits down on his bed and thinks about the past days.

Bit by bit, the neighborhood has held clean-up actions; however, not all streets are clean. All around them, the gray-brown hills still look defeated. It’s as if all the greenery has been burned to ashes.

David has helped his father clean up the collapsed ceiling. What a job that was! He already had a headache before cleaning the messy room. But Mama and Father must sleep there for the time being. They hope that their bedroom ceiling can be repaired quickly.

David walks down the stairs.

“Now that the plywood has been removed from the windows, it looks a lot brighter inside,” says Father.

He takes a deep breath.

“A lot of work, that clean-up action, but also a relief,” says Mama.

Later that afternoon, David stares through his bedroom window. He is listening to the radio.

“We have good news, listeners. The boy with kidney problems was taken to the Dominican Republic by military aircraft.”

David smiles. My friend was probably evacuated on time. Now he’s become a famous islander!

The radio reports all water locations. “If you have no drinking water, you can go there. Don’t forget to drink, people. Dehydration affects your health,” the newsreader warns.

Outside, there is still debris to clean up. But David does not have the strength. He feels useless and powerless.

That evening, neighborhood children knock on the door. They want to congratulate David on his 11th birthday. But David stays upstairs. He doesn’t want to celebrate. Not without Tony.

Mother gives the neighborhood children a piece of cake. For the first time, David’s birthday passes without a big party.

“That Irma destroyed a lot. Inside and out,” David overhears Mama say. He goes upstairs and soon falls asleep.

David wakes early the next morning. He thinks about Tony’s birthday and goes down quickly.

“Tony won’t have a nice birthday, either. I can’t even send him a text message yet,” he tells his parents.

“That kidney dialysis is really no fun. Tony has often told me about it. I hope he can see his father and grandfather,” says David.

“Maybe he’ll get better faster,” Mama adds. She sees that David is depressed.

“If only they can pump the toxins out of his blood quickly,” Father adds.

David heard on the radio that the schools are still closed. The government has closed them down for the time being. Some schools are still being used as shelters. David knows that the school for special children in his neighborhood is badly damaged. He walks over there. He wants to go further and discover more. But he can’t; he isn’t allowed to leave the neighborhood.

David walks home again. There is still no power. He cannot make calls, send texts, play games on the computer or watch TV. He is bored to death.

David enters the storage room. His kite is still there. He grabs the kite. Then he sneaks out the door.

29

Needs must, David thinks. He’s really got to do it.

David runs as fast as he can. That is still difficult. He passes the Red Cross apartments for the seniors. He hurries towards the roundabout. On the main road, he looks to the right for a moment. There he sees the border monument. He does not see any horses in the meadow.

“I hope Jingo and Pinta are O.K.,” he tells himself sadly.

David turns left. The walkway is narrow. There are hardly any cars. There is no space left for them, either, because devastation is all around. All that junk on the road. At a distance, he sees an ambulance with flashing lights on the main road. The ambulance is going the other way. His spirits sink. What happened? Is someone sick? Uncertainty strikes. What if Tony didn’t make it? he thinks.

Does it make sense to walk to Tony’s house? David wonders. He decides to look there, anyway.

Maybe I’ll meet the neighbor again. Perhaps he can tell me more about what happened to Tony, David tells himself.

When he gets a closer look, David backs away in shock.

“Whaaattt?”he screams. His eyes are wide. A thousand grim images flash through his head. Where is Auntie’s cottage? Her house is no longer there. Only the toilet bowl is still standing.

“How strange!” David mumbles. He can hardly believe his eyes. The neighbor’s container home has shifted a couple of meters. The house is also tilted.

“What a madhouse!” he cries. David stares ahead in disbelief. There is nothing like the power of hurricanes, he thinks.

David now understands why Tony, Auntie and their neighbor left home and went to the shelter.

It is all too much for David. He feels completely powerless and cries. He leans against the old flamboyant tree. It is now bare and completely bent. He used to play marbles with Tony under that same tree. He hangs the colorful kite in the bare branches. That has a special meaning, he thinks.

In his imagination, he sneaks into the hospital and surprises Tony with his kite.

“I’m sure that would make Tony very happy,” David says to himself.

He suddenly feels a hand on his shoulder. It scares him. When he looks up, he recognizes Tony’s neighbor. He pokes David.

“No birthday for Tony here. But it’s nice that you did this for him.” The man points to the kite.

“Tony is alive. That’s the most important thing. He arrived at the airport just in time. A military aircraft flew him out. Fortunately, the airport had just opened for limited traffic. Only for emergencies! And what a close call it was! Talk about a blessing in disguise,” says Tony’s neighbor. The man looks up hopefully.

“Do you know if he landed well in Santo Domingo?” David wipes away his tears. He wants to know everything.

“He was supposed to go to a dialysis center. Over there he would be helped immediately. He’s not eligible for a transplant. His body would reject a new kidney,” the neighbor says.

“His father and grandfather live there. Do they know he’s there?” asks David.

“No idea, but luckily his aunt is with him. She will contact his father and grandfather,” the neighbor replies.

“I hope everything will be fine,” says David.

“Yes, me, too. Tony slept badly that last night. He had no appetite. In the end, he screamed with pain.

Fortunately, we were able to escape to the shelter during the passing of the eye of the hurricane. We’re so happy that Tony and his aunt left her wooden house on time.” The man sighs deeply. David looks

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31

away. He feels sorry for his friend.

“We’re so grateful to be alive. And, of course, extra happy that Tony is still alive. Everything will be fine,” Tony’s neighbor assures David.

David and the neighbor talk as they approach the shelter. The neighbor will have to stay there for a while. His container home is a long way off in the meadow. The property is badly damaged.

Suddenly the neighbor starts talking softly and a little sadly. It’s as if he’s talking to himself. David listens carefully.

“I can’t go home anymore ...

My house is crushed.

Still I have to be strong.

I am not going to go crazy.

Something is better than nothing.

We need each other.

We must do with what we can.

The world has not perished.

As long as there is life, there is hope,” the neighbor adds solemnly.

It sounds just as if a mantra has entered the neighbor’s mind, David thinks. He doesn’t know what to say. He’s dead silent.

He only hopes that all will be fine with his friend. With Tony.

32

Four weeks pass. The Department of Infrastructure Management has removed the barricades. Most bulky waste has been cleaned up. The roads are clear again. The Minister of Education believes that children should now start attending school again.

David is happy to be back at school. Yet he looks down flustered when he walks into the bus. The school bus halts at the stop in Tony’s district. David recognizes Pedio and Chano and greets them as they board.

David stares at the toilet bowl that still stands where Auntie’s cottage used to be. He gets a lump in his throat. His kite is still hanging in the tree.

“We have power again,” David hears a girl say.

“Us, too. And running water,” a boy says. He lives in a different neighborhood.

“Look there!” a boy calls and points. “The gas station is crowded with people.”

“Wow, what a long line. You need a lot of patience to wait in that hot sun,” replies his friend.

“Almost everyone is carrying jugs and bottles,” a boy behind him says.

“See those white containers along the way? Those are the water tanks. I heard that on the radio,” a girl says.

The bus drives on.

“Attttaaaaahhh, Military... Get down!” Pedio yells.

Frightened children scoot under the seats. Then Pedio cracks up and the rest follow, except David. He sees the military men. They do no harm. They share out food and make sure the seniors get to be first, he thinks.

“I was terrified of those frightening sounds,” Chano says.

“Even my uncle was afraid of that wind,” says Pedio.

“WIND? Violent STORM, or HURRICANE, you mean,” someone calls out from the back of the bus.

David listens attentively. He does not want to say anything. He constantly thinks of his friend. Tony has had a lot of bad luck in his life. Lost his mother, kidney problems, and now? How is he? That hurricane really caused some damage.

David stares at the hills. They are not completely ashen as before. David sees green leaves appearing on some branches.

The bus stops in front of the school. David and the other children get out. The school looks so damaged!

Cleaners are still busy getting everything in order. Machines are sucking the water from the floors. The school is so much emptier. There are considerably fewer pupils.

Is the school ready? David asks himself.

David’s teacher is there. He is delighted. He runs to her and holds out his hand.

“How are you, David?” Teacher asks warmly.

David shrugs his shoulders.

“Maybe later? I’m eager to hear how you experienced the storm,” Teacher says.

When all pupils go to their classes, David looks around.

The window blinds in his classroom are broken. Teacher has trouble opening and closing the door. It has warped because of all the moisture.

Teacher addresses the class.

“Boys and girls,” she says, “I’m so thrilled to see you all in one piece again. You are true champions. You survived the most devastating hurricane in the history of Sint Maarten.”

33

Some children start to thump their tables. Others clap noisily and shout YESSSSS! The teacher laughs and claps with them.

Teacher puts up her hand. “Many children are still at home, and others have gone off island.”

“Where have they gone?” asks a girl.

“Andrea and Angelique have gone to The Netherlands. Ingrid, Jacky and Migalda are with family in Curaçao and Bonaire,” replies Teacher. “Marlene and Olivia went to their family in Aruba, and Rita and Udo left for Suriname. They all flew to Curaçao by military airplane. From Curaçao, a number of regular civilian airplanes travelled to Aruba, Suriname and The Netherlands.”

“How long will they stay away?” asks Pedio.

The class is getting unruly.

“Yes, when will Andrea, Angelique, Ingrid, Jacky, Migalda and Rita come back?” asks Cheryl.

“Some of our classmates will remain away for the time being,” Teacher explains “The Leeward Islands, Suriname and The Netherlands are a lot safer. Hurricanes hardly ever reach them. Our classmates can go to school there safely. We do not know yet how long they will stay away.”

“I’m worried about whether they can adapt,” says Cheryl. “Here we speak English. On Curaçao and Bonaire, most pupils speak Papiamentu. And in Suriname and The Netherlands, they speak mostly Dutch.”

“You’re right, Cheryl. How can they understand each other in Papiamentu, Papiamento or Sranan Tongo?” asks Pedio.

“I’m also curious about Tony and Hasani!” a boy calls out.

Teacher says that she doesn’t have everyone’s information yet.

David raises his hand.

“I know where Tony is,” he says. “He’s now in Santo Domingo. He was ill again immediately after Hurricane Irma. The ambulance took him to the airport just in time. In Santo Domingo he can get dialyzed.

His kidneys have to start working properly again.” His voice falls at the last words.

The whole class looks at David with big eyes. Teacher walks up to him.

“It’s brave that you told us, David. We know he’s your best friend,” she says.

“I’d be worried, too. He’s been sick before you remember?” asks Pedio.

The whole class looks worried. They listen attentively. David looks down.

“Do you know how he is and whether he’s coming back?” Teacher asks kindly.

David shakes his head. He is afraid to look anyone in the eye.

I have so many questions myself. How could I know all that? David thinks.

“I think he’s being dialyzed,” he says, and he puts his hands over his face.

Teacher sees that David is struggling.

“He may have to gain some strength,” she says calmly. “We hope that he’ll come back soon. Time will tell.

“Thank you very much, David. It’s good that you informed us.” Teacher gives him the thumbs up. “Maybe Angelique, Ingrid and Rita will come back in December,” she adds.

Then she asks, “Who wants to share hurricane experiences with the class?”

At first, it’s dead silent. But slowly the pupils start to talk. The stories come out with great strain.

Cheryl says, “I was scared. I felt desperate. Didn’t know where to hide.”

Pedio tells, “I had nightmares the first two nights. I kept dreaming about monsters attacking us. I woke up anxiously. Luckily, my grandma was with us.”

David agrees, “Yes, I also heard those monsters, when they ripped off the roofs of the houses.”

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35

Chano says, “I still hear the sound of wolves howling. It keeps resonating in my ears. Every night I hear it. A horrible, terrifying sound!”

Clearly, the whole class is shaken by the true monster: Hurricane Irma.

Then Teacher tells her story. “I also had desperate moments,” she says.

“During the hurricane I heard people screaming. When it was raining cats and dogs, I thought, my house is under water, and I will soon drown. And on the way to school, I saw capsized boats in the water. Some were thrown on land. The power of this hurricane is beyond words.”

The pupils listen attentively. Teacher tells them what is important in times of emergency. She also asks who helped clean up.

David is silent. He just listens, although he sometimes thinks back to helping the neighbors clean up.

“Some Sint Maarteners experienced Hurricane Luis,” Teacher says. “Even they say that they will never forget Irma. This hurricane brought sadness and buckets of tears, but also good things. In our district, we shared food with one another. In the neighborhood, everyone helped clean up. Many hands make light work!

“Help your neighbors and help keep your neighborhood clean. Not only with words, but especially with actions. I know it’s easier said than done. But guess what? Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” Teacher tells the children. “It won’t be easy for some of us. Everyone has his or her own experience. It’s more painful for one person than for another. After such a storm, people can suddenly feel grief or fear. We shouldn’t underestimate Irma’s damage. You see it all around; the havoc is enormous.”

“How do hurricanes actually arise, Teacher?” asks Cheryl.

“It is God’s will,” shouts Chano. “It’s His way of punishing people.”

“Noooo, not at all!” Pedio yells insistently. “How about climate change?”

“YESSSSSS!” David agrees. “It has to do with how people treat nature.”

“That seems like a good idea for a presentation. Do some online research and present to the class. Who has internet at home?” Teacher asks.

“My parents told me a bit about it,” says David. “I want to learn more, then I’ll give a presentation about hurricanes. I want to do it with Tony, when he’s back.”

“That’s an excellent idea,” agrees Teacher. “Hurricane Irma has done more than physical damage. It’s changed lives. I’m sure a lot of people are going to think and act differently. Every day when I wake up, I live more consciously. I live more in accordance with the laws of nature. I ask you to consider the following questions in the coming days: “What was my life like before Hurricane Irma? What happened to my parents? Have the neighbors changed? How have I changed? What am I going to do differently? How did my family and friends help me? How did I help others?

“David, you can also use these questions for your presentation,” Teacher adds.

David nods and looks around. Fortunately, we’ve all survived. Despite the immensely violent force of that Category 5 monster Irma, we’re here. We’ve been lucky, and so has Tony, he thinks.

“We’ve really been struck by disaster. Hurricane Irma has changed our outlook on life. We now understand the importance of family and friends. We got much stronger by helping each other. Together, we’ll rebuild our island. We must be thankful. Sint Maarten Strong!” concludes Teacher.

Everyone is completely silent.

36

Two weeks later, David hears his mother’s cell-phone. He has just finished eating, when he hears his mother cry out: “HALLELUJA!” David runs down the stairs. He stands next to Mama. He wants to follow everything. Could it be? He thinks and listens attentively.

“How wonderful, ma’am. That’s amazing. Of course, we’ll be there to pick you up. I’ve already arranged a safe place for you to stay. You don’t have to worry about that. As long as we have a place that keeps us dry ... As long as we know where we can eat and sleep ... As long as we’re in good health, we can continue,” she says.

David looks at Mama in anticipation when she hangs up.

“We’re going to pick up your best friend and his aunt tomorrow afternoon,” she says happily.

“Tony is well again. They’ll have to keep an eye on his diet, though. It’s no joke what the boy has been through.”

“Whhhhhaaaaaaaat! Yeeesssssssss!” David yells. He jumps up in the air a couple of times. He runs outside with his fist raised and keeps shouting: “Yeeesssssssss! Yeeesssssssss! “ He hadn’t noticed anything. Mama had been busy the days before. She had been in contact with Auntie.

David tosses and turns in bed that night. He’s happy, but also nervous. In the morning, Mama calls the school to tell the news about Tony.

“How wonderful! I’m so happy, ma’am. Tony will have to settle in for a few days. I understand he won’t come to school immediately. And it makes sense that David is picking him up,” says Teacher.

David and Mama are on their way to the airport. Father is at work. David looks outside curiously.

“The roads look a lot better, Mama. They’ve removed a lot of the mess. The heaps of rubbish along the roads have been cleaned up,” he notices.

“Boy, look how many buildings are damaged. All those blue tarpaulins on their roofs. This is how people keep out the rain for now,” says Mama.

‘This is insane. See how many soldiers are driving around!” says David.

“I’ve never seen so many on Sint Maarten. Apparently, they are necessary to maintain order,” Mama remarks.

“Look, there, people from the Department of Infrastructure Management are removing trees,” David calls.

“They have to. For safety’s sake, my boy,” Mama agrees.

“A few days ago, there were still a lot of people waiting at the water points. Those lines now are much shorter,” David notes.

Mama turns up the radio. People talk about their experiences. They are talking about that terrible monster.

“They’re right,” David agrees. “That monster’s sword dangled over our island dangerously.”

“I like that nice, friendly host on Laser 101. That young man is doing so well. He really feels for the people. He talks calmly and shows empathy. He gives the people who call a helping hand. That way they can also help others,” Mama says.

“Today’s program is about gratitude,” says the host. “What are you grateful for? You can call, people!

We’re curious to know your opinion.”

David looks outside, but at the same time he listens carefully.

On the radio, they hear a caller’s voice. “What should we be grateful for? For so many things,” she says.

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Mama agrees. “That’s for sure!”

The lady continues: “Thankfully, we’re still alive. I’m grateful for all my family and friends. If you work together, you’re strong as a community. I’ve seen so many people cooperate. And that makes me happy.”

The host takes another call. An old gentleman speaks in a hoarse voice.

“I’m especially grateful for all the help that is coming from outside. The food and clean water. And the Royal Dutch Marechaussee who keep us safe. They cooperate with the police, Customs and the Coast Guard. I’m grateful for all donations.”

The man quotes a poem:

“We will continue

We will have faith

We are strong

Sint Maarten Strong!”

Another caller says, “You’ve got to get over it and move on.”

A young woman insists: “There’s damage that you can’t see. There’s still a lot of healing to be done.

Time will tell.”

A young man calls and says, “I’m grateful for life. We want to forget it, but we must remember it!”

Another man asks, “What are we going to improve to better prepare for the next hurricane?”

“That’s a theme for the next program,” says the host.

David and Mama now arrive at the airport. At least, what’s left of it. David is awestruck by what he sees.

“Mamsi,” says David, his voice shaking. “Look! The building looks smashed!”

Mama brings her hand to her mouth. Her jaw drops.

“Unbelievable! It looks like a kid’s toy. It’s a complete mess here,” says Mama.

Large white tents have been set up next to the ruined building. The passengers are helped there.

“Ah, those poor people are standing there outside without a roof over their heads. It seems unreal!”

Mama says.

“Look, there, Mamsi, soldiers in camouflage clothing are handing out parasols and bottles of water,” says David. His head is almost completely out the window.

“Thank the Lord, with this unbearable heat and stuffiness,” Mama notes.

They park, get out and walk towards the tents. “Only small planes can land. This is all we have,” they hear someone in the line complaining.

Soon, David finally sees his friend. Tony is walking right behind Auntie.

David runs up to him.

“Tony!” David calls happily. And he hugs his friend firmly. David pokes him, and Tony pokes him back.

“It’s cool that you’re better again, Tony. Completely AWESOME!” David exclaims happily. He is relieved.

Mama hugs Tony and Auntie and welcomes them.

Tony and Auntie show them a bar of chocolate.

“Look,” says Auntie. “We got this from the airport staff as a welcome gift.”

“I feel right at home again,” Tony shouts. He raises his thumb. They smile from ear to ear. Tony looks a lot better. That’s a big difference from when he looked so pale, David thinks.

In the front seat, Mama and Auntie can’t stop talking about the latest developments on Sint Maarten.

“Everyone is talking about Building Back Better. There’s a crisis in government, but people are grateful and hope for the best,” says Mama.

She brings them to a friend’s house. The house had little damage. Mama’s friend is traveling for work for a few months. Auntie can look after her house for the time being.

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“Fortunately, all lives have been spared. Thank God for life. We can really be THANKFUL,” says Auntie.

She has her hands crossed on her chest.

Before leaving, the boys agree on something important.

Monday afternoon, they will visit their friends Jingo and Pinta together. “I’ll make sure I have enough carrots,” David assures.

Auntie and Tony wave from behind the fence as David and his mother leave.

As the car drives away, both boys hold their heads high. Tony and David grin from ear to ear. They make a fist.

Tony can’t go to school yet. He still needs to gain some strength. David and Father pick up Tony on Monday afternoon. They drive past Belvedere and reach the French border. Father parks near the border monument.

They walk towards the meadows on the French side. There’s a lot of rubbish on the fields. David already hears the horses galloping. It’s as if the ground under his feet is shaking. Sure enough, Jingo and Pinta immediately head towards them.

David leaps high in the air out of joy. So does Tony. They run to the fence as fast as they can. Father walks behind them.

David and Tony are delighted when they see the horses waiting for them at the fence. Pinta and Jingo wave their tails.

David crawls under the fence. Now Tony goes, too. They pet their horses’ manes.

“Look, Daddy. Jingo has a few scrapes,” David calls out disappointedly.

“So does Pinta,” Tony shouts emotionally.

Father looks around but sees no one on the property. He gets closer.

“Hey, there, did your owner provide shelter for you?” Father asks the horses. He checks the animals.

“You must have gone through a lot. I’m going to go see your owner soon. Those scratches need to be treated,” he says.

“Boy, your owner doesn’t care for you much, does he?” he complains, checking the dry water basin.

He walks to the car. “Are you coming, Dave?” Father asks.

He takes a two-liter bottle of water from the trunk.

“Here, Dave, will you carefully pour some water into the basin?” he asks.

Tony also gets a bottle. The boys are filled with joy.

After David empties a few bottles into the basin, he takes the carrots.

Tony also takes a few. He lets Pinta eat from his hand.

“Wait, I’ll get some wheat, sugar and bread from the car,” says Father.

“That’s power food. They will certainly like that,” Tony agrees.

“Daddy, that’s awesome!” David shouts. “You thought of everything!”

Moments later, they hear a car honking. It is parked next to Father’s.

Two women get out.

“Mamsi, how nice!” David shouts.

Tony also yells happily, “Auntiieeee!”

The boys holler. They jump into the air and hug the women firmly.

“Go and stand with your favorite horses,” says Father.

The boys are proud of their friends. Father takes his phone from the chest pocket of his guayabera. He makes beautiful photos of David and Tony with their friends. The boys are so happy that they are together again. And that their horses made it, too. They give a thumbs-up sign when Father takes pictures.

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Less than a week later, David, Mama and Father visit Tony and Aunt Esperanza. When they are almost ready to leave, Father gets a carton roll out of the car. He beckons David to hand it over to Tony.

“Here, Tony. This is for your birthday,” David grins.

Tony looks up in surprise. “May I unpack it?” he asks.

“Sure, it’s for you, right?” David laughs.

Tony carefully tears open the wrapping paper. He opens the roll.

“A poster?” He asks.

He rolls it out curiously.

“Whaaaaaattt?”

Tony’s eyes almost pop out of his head in disbelief.

“I can’t believe my eyes! How beautiful. How beautiful!” he repeats.

“Bello! What a gorgeous photo. You with your favorite horses?” Auntie is completely silent.

David, Mama and Father watch, smiling.

“You can hang it in your room. I did that, too,” says David.

“I certainly will, as soon as Auntie finds a new home,” Tony says. His voice drops. He gives David another high five, and two more to Father and Mama before they leave.

H IG H 42

The Winning Hurricane Poems from the Beyond Kultura Events Foundation Writing Competition 2019 Theme: Experiences with Hurricane Irma

Author name

Title Poem

School

Denny Mo

A Moment of Dismay

St. Joseph School

Paula Lovell

Hurricane

St. Joseph School

Nicholas Russo

Recalling Irma

St. Maarten Montessori School

Chloe Ifrah

After the Eye

Caribbean International Academy

Grace Cheasley

Distraction

Caribbean International Academy

Laura Richardson

Hurricane Poem

Adult

Laura Richardson

Ice is Nice

Adult

Walter Hellebrand

Senses Overload

Adult

Loekie Morales

Becoming to Be

Adult

F I VE photos Poets: Ingrid Holaman

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By: Denny Mo

A Moment of Dismay It was a rainy night, Where I had nothing but fright.

So I went to sleep, Peaceful and deep.

Then I woke up filled with fear, Looking at how much water there is in here, There was nothing I could do, But glance outside as things flew.

It was definitely no time to chuckle, When restraining the door is such a struggle.

Finally, after many hours, We went to sleep and took no showers.

After many days, I lost track of time and was filled with dismay.

By: Paula Lovell

Hurricane I am wrecking ball I come as flash.

I destroy things around me.

I bring wind and water.

I flood houses and buildings.

I am a roaring hurricane.

I am very strong like thunder and lighting.

I am a course of a victim track.

I am your worst nightmare.

I am a hurricane.

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45

By: Chloe Ifrah

After the Eye The sky cries in pain Our known world crumbles and bleeds As the lights close down

By: Nicholas Russo

Recalling Irma Hurricane season My sails filled with wind and rain My patience pounded 46

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By: Grace Cheasley

Distraction She sat with her head in her hands He stood with his hands against the window They sat in the corner holding each other tight While I played with the baby Outside the hurricane raged on Outside Irma destroyed houses and trees Outside she destroyed all our hopes and dreams While I played with the baby Finally, the horrific sound of wind and rain stops I open the door. Can it really be true?

I see destruction everywhere I close the door and I play with the baby

By: Laura Richardson

Hurricane Poem And She huffed and She puffed and She blew the house down!

Then we tumbled through the rabbit hole, deeper and danker where nobody knows, landing on hands, fingers spread wide, balanced on wrists, learning to walk upside down.

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By: Laura Richardson

Ice is Nice Who could imagine life without ice?

No comfort, no cool, no current, no cubes!

A magical mystery that dumbfounds us fools when lines are downed, and meters are stripped, when hurricanes ravage the poor and the rich.

Water is precious, but ice is Divine, on a broiling day when your milk’s on its way to spoiling your mood, destroying your attitude.

Life with ice is a party!

It’s promise, and progress, preciously pleasant!

Each morning our neighbor whose home was on generator made us a gift of ice.

Who ever knew such kind definition of nice could be ice?

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By: Walter Hellebrand

SENSES OVERLOAD Thousands of genips popping under my feet The scent of freshly torn kasha And the continuous, relentless lashes of wet winds The frays of Irma’s swirling skirt 51

By: Loekie Morales

Becoming to Be Before I existed, no one knew I was weak, couldn’t think Before I emerged Energy, awakened me Although I made noises, I couldn’t hear screaming voices Water and wind hurrying me Growing over surface with ease It shook me wrong It made me strong It let me blow Had no control Energy winding me Changing all the atmosphere It made me come to places Challenging the scary faces Before I didn’t know But now I know It made a monster out of me I am forever un-delete

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List of words, proverbs and expressions Curfew

A regulation requiring people to remain indoors between specified hours, typically at night

Barricade

An obstacle in the road to ensure that people can’t get through

Dialysis

Artificial purification of the blood with an external device

Guayabera

A linen shirt with short or long sleeves, decorated with four pleated pockets

Hoarding

Buying and/or saving goods for times of need

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone or whirlwind, with wind speed greater than 70 mph, which occurs in the western Atlantic Ocean

Sranan Tongo

One of the main languages spoken in Suriname

Stallion

Male horse

Johnny cake

Baked flat bun made from dough

Looting

Plundering, stealing, especially after disasters or riots

Mantra

Sacred message or text

Marechaussee

Military police

Mare

Female horse

Sunshine after the rain After a difficult situation, things will clear up.

All hands on deck!

Help, Everyone!

Time will tell

The future will show how situations develop.

Close call

A near escape from danger.

Patience is a virtue

Those who wait will be rewarded.

No news is good news Until bad news arrives, assume all is well.

Hope springs eternal

If you have hope, there are possibilities.

Blessing in disguise

A bad or unlucky situation that results in something good later.

Every man for himself People only take care of themselves and do not help others.

Meteorological Organization that studies and predicts the weather service and conditions of the atmosphere

Eye of the storm A calm/windless period in the middle of a storm or hurricane

Needs must

In difficult circumstances, one does what is required.

Patrolling

Walking/driving around to guard an area or building

Make do

Use available resources.

Pegasus

In Greek mythology, a mythical winged horse

Plywood

Building material made from thin layers of wood glued together

Many hands make light work

If you work together, the job goes quickly.

Shutter

Vertical closures for a window or door

Where there’s a will, there’s a way

If you really want something, then you will succeed.

Service providers Companies that provide services, such as

telecommunications and software applications

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Proverbs / expressions

Shelter

Safe place for people or animals in times of danger

Storm

Atmospheric disturbance with strong winds, often accompanied by rain, snow, thunder and lightning

VKS

Voluntary Corps Sint Maarten (Entity which ensures safety)

You reap what you sow Eventually, you will face the consequences of your actions.

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Other books by Loekie Morales Zonnesproetjes Publisher Beyond Writing Foundation, 2007, ISBN: 978-99904-0-716-7

Bonte Boel Publisher Beyond Writing Foundation, 2004, ISBN: 999040-5387

Tropisch Nestje Publisher Beyond Writing Foundation, 2005, ISBN: 99904-0-530-1

Overseas Bloodline, A Family search Publisher Beyond Writing foundation, 2011, ISBN/EAN: 978-90-79687-01-5

Papito en de vertellende boom Publisher Leopold, De Verhalenboot, 2002, ISBN: 99904-0-420-8

Selina and the Obeah woman Publisher Beyond Writing Foundation, 2003, ISBN: 99904-0-421-6

De Magische Bruidstaart Publisher Beyond Writing Foundation, 2011, as bi-lingual versions: Dutch-Papiamentu

Mina Marina Publisher Beyond Writing Foundation, 2008, Dutch version, ISBN/EAN: 978-90-812423-1-8 English version, ISBN: 978-99904-0-421-0

Vrijheids Salsa Published Beyond Writing Foundation, 2015, ISBN: 978-949138004-4 Freedom Salsa Publisher BWF, 2015, ISBN/EAN: 978-99904-1-937-5

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Bloedlijn overzee Published by author, supported by Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds NA-Aruba, 2002, ISBN: 99904-0-422-4 Overseas Bloodline Publisher BWF, 2011, ISBN/EAN: 978-90-79687-00-8

Selina en de Bruavrouw Publisher Beyond Writing Foundation, 2005, ISBN: 99904-0-539-5

Sanger ta yama (Un buskeda di famia) Publisher Departamento di Ensenansa Aruba, 2016, ISBN: 978-99904-68-16-8 Papiamento version of Overseas Bloodline

Papito I e Palu Kontado di Kwenta Papito and the Storytelling Tree Published in booklet full color by Beyond Writing Foundation, 2003, ISBN: 99904-0-420-8

De Magische Bruidstaart/ E Bolo di Batrei Mรกgiko ISBN 99904-0-421-6 and English-Spanish The Magic Wedding Cake/La Mรกgica Tarta Nupcial, ISBN 99904-0-419-4

Chella en het Vreemde Vrouwtje Chella and the Weird Woman Publisher Beyond Writing Foundation, 2017, as bi-lingual versions: Dutch-English ISBN/EAN 978-94-91380-05-1 ISBN/EAN 978-94-91380-06-8