Hello everyone. The ZAPFIC 240-character challenge has returned. I'm excited as I loved to participate each week attempting to construct as near a complete story as possible in 240 characters or less. It's not as simple as one would think. 
I've witness firsthand the devastation that violent weather such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods can leave behind. Families caught in the storms' paths and lucky enough to survive are indeed given a second chance. It's a terrifying ordeal to experience. How a family overcomes the event and moves forward not always an easy path to navigate.
As previously done, I leave here my wordcounter screenshot showing the exact word count for my story:
Left homeless after the tornado, the Adams entered the rest stop exhausted.
Its benches offered a solid place to relax.
With heads nestled in their arms, dad consoled the kids while mom prepared food.
He'd map their route west.
A new beginning.
If you'd like to participate, here is the official post: The First #ZapFicMonday of 2022: Write me a story using 240 characters or less!
RULES:
Post to the Freewriters Community.
Use #freewritehouse and #zapfic tags.
Please use a word/character counter (if you search for word counter on the internet or in your phone's app store you will get a big choice!) wordcounter.net and include a screenshot. This makes it easier for you and
!
Use the prompt provided as you see fit (use your imagination)
You have 3 days (until Thursday 23h59 GMT) to post a Zapfic (a story written in 240 characters or less) using the prompt given.
Try to tell a complete story if you can!
The story should only be 240 characters long (including spaces)
Happy rest of the week everyone with whatever your endeavors.
SOURCES:
a) JustClickindiva's Footer created in Canva utilizing its free background and images used with permission from discord admins.
b) Unless otherwise noted, all photos taken by me with my (i) Samsung Galaxy 10" Tablet, (ii) Samsung Phone, & (iii) FUJI FinePix S3380 - 14 Mega Pixels Digital Camera
c) Purple Butterfly part of purchased set of Spiritual Clip Art for my Personal Use
d) All Community logos, banners, page dividers used with permission of Discord Channel admins.
e) Ladies of Hive banner used with permission of and in accordance with the admin's guidelines
f) Thumbnail Image created by me in Canva utilizing it's free templates and including free image by Pexels at Pixabay.