[center][i][b]“There came a great wave like a hand,

Grabbing everything on the land,

It’s fingers of foam, circling round…”[/b]

[url= http://www.slideshare.net/CarolUsher1/tsunami-poem-there-came-a-great-wave]There Came a Wave by Lily Usher[/url][/i][/center]

A half empty jar of rainbow sprinkles rolled across the counter top. Small hands picked it up and then rolled it back to the other child sitting on the other end of the bar. The small girl picked up the jar that was sent back and added yet more of the sugary specks to the last mouthful of ice cream. Artemis licked her lips.

“More ice cream!”

Apollo yawned. “I think I shall have cake.” 

The pale boy passed through the glass wall and entered the refrigerated cake display. A smaller version of the Apollo sat on the lowest shelf. His head barely touching the next shelf. He grabbed a chunk of the chocolate cake and wolfed it down. The girl ignored the glutton and headed for the ice cream display. She began constructing her third sundae. 

“Humans believe in a Great Flood that wiped away all the sinners.” 

“It was said that there won’t be another flood only fire,” the boy replied in between mouthfuls of cake. He licked the icing smudged on the sides of his mouth. 

“Ignorant things wiped away like ants caught in the rain,” Artemis said merrily as she lathered the ice cream with loads of chocolate and strawberry sauce. 

“Are you going to miss them?” 

“Not really. Just ice cream. No one will make it when they are gone.” 

Both twins were silent as they contemplated the implications of not having any more ice cream. It was the most terrible thing ever. They had to live through such a long time before this delightful treat came into existence. Now nothing will be left save empty shells. White molding displays that once housed these colorful, delectable treats. 

The long arm of the clock stopped at twelve and a cheerily tune echoed in the empty café. Two more hours before the owner will come by to set up for the day. His was always the last shop to be open along this sleepy road leading towards the ocean. Artemis yawned. She was sorely tempted to go back to sleep, but she wanted to wait for it. Which would happen about … [i]now[/i]! Pity the shop will not open today. Nor will it open evermore. 

“Apollo come here!” She ordered. 

The cake eater materialized beside his bossy counterpart and they stood riveted at the window. A huge black wave was moving inland consuming all that lay before it. Artemis jumped up and down excitedly as sirens began blaring to warn the residence of an incoming tsunami. Apollo pressed his face against the cool surface and smiled. People, young and old, were running away from the inevitable. So few were awake at this hour. He felt his sister’s hands pressed on his shoulders seconds before they were swept away like along with the café. 

[i]“There came a wave like a big hand…”[/i]

That was the last thing Apollo heard before he lost touch with his physical senses. He hands subconsciously curled round his sister’s. He was not afraid because he knows that they are never truly separate from one another. He smiled as he leaned in to kiss her cheek. 

“I love you too, sis.” 

[b]End of Artemis’ and Apollo’s flashback[/b]