“Run! It’s gonna blow!” people screamed as smoke billowed high into the air. Lava spewed from huge cracks in the sides as the chaos increased. The sleeping giant that everyone had said would never erupt again had woken up.

Two days earlier in Sacramento, California, the Murray’s were planning a trip to Washington to visit the huge Mt. St. Helen’s dormant volcano.

“Alright everyone, get some snacks or books or something. It’s gonna be a long drive,” Dad said as the family was running about grabbing things to keep them busy on the 15 hour drive to Cascade Range.

“Won’t Mt. St. Helen’s erupt while we’re there, Dad?” 8 year-old Michael asked, puzzled.

“Nah, it’s been dormant for over a century,” replied 12 year-old Isaac. “I honestly don’t know why they haven’t classified it as ‘extinct’.”

“Well, you never know when something like that could blow, even if it hasn’t blown its top for over 100 years,” responded Dad. “But enough about the volcano. We gotta get into the car or else we’ll miss our hotel!”

With that note the whole family went right back to packing, hustling, and bustling. After getting in the car, Dad started it, and they were off. The drive was somewhat uneventful except for a little argument here and there.

“Dad, Isaac’s reading the book I brought.”

“Mom, Ella stole my sandwich.”

“Dad, please! Michael is being super annoying!”

After a couple hours of driving, (7 to be exact), the Murrays stopped for the night in a 1970s fashioned hotel. To them that was fairly new since it was the year 1980. Walking in, the smell of cedar wood flung its way out the door. Very strong cedar wood.

“Mama, what’s that smell?” asked 6 year-old Ella.

“That’s cedar, dear. It’s what’s used to make this building,” answered Mom.

“Are we staying here?”

“Yes, dear.”

The comfy bed made up for the strong cedar smell that drifted and drafted about. But sleep only lasts so long and soon everyone was up. They hurried to get dressed and out the door. Well, not before breakfast, of course, which was served by the hotel. Scrambled eggs, pancakes, and oatmeal were all on the menu, and Isaac, Michael, Ella, Mom, and Dad rushed to eat. Walking out, there was a comforting smell of cinnamon around the corner, but Dad said that there would be plenty of cinnamon rolls at the mountain and that they should get going as quickly as possible. Dad turned the engine on, which immediately roared and groaned as it woke up to meet the chilly spring air. The wheels reluctantly started turning, but they sped up as Dad forced the gas pedal down.

This drive consisted mostly of all three kids sleeping and snoring, sleeping and snoring, a little bit of reading, and more sleeping and snoring. Soon the rugged coastlines and redwood forests of California melted into the gorgeous plains and landscapes of Washington state.

“How far away is Mt. St. Helen’s, Dad?” Isaac had woken up and was disappointed that they weren’t there yet.

“About 30 miles left, Son.”

 “Man, I wanna be there already!”

“Be patient, Isaac.”

The miles slowly counted down, until Isaac read a sign that said “8 miles left until Cascade Range” but that’s when it happened. A deafening roar could be heard over the moaning of the car.

“What was that?!” yelled Isaac as the windshield shattered into a million pieces. There was extremely thick smoke off in the distance.

“A fire?” guessed Michael.

“I have no idea…” said Mom. But then the realization hit her. “Mt. St. Helen’s is erupting!”