As though to give credence to her words, the rain began to slacken, and the wind came in bursts. With visibility now returned, they looked out and couldn't believe the devastation around them. Large trees and small had been uprooted and were flung every which way, some in front of the car, some behind it, but none touching it. They could see a swath cut through the bush and it seemed to part, and go around the car, then continue on.
McKinnon stared at her for long moments. He looked outside again at the destruction and then looked back at her. "I don't know what you did just now, but I have a feeling I owe you my life. How did you know you should stop the car? I didn't hear a thing."
"Please don't ask me right now, McKinnon. I don't have time. I have to let my mother know I'm okay. No interruptions, please."
"You can't do that. We don't have a phone signal here."
"Please, no questions." Once more, she did her deep breathing, cleared her mind, and concentrated on sending her mother the knowledge that she was safe. Letting the thought go, she waited a few seconds until she felt the message had been received, then opened her eyes, only to see him staring at her again.
"Are you a witch?"
"No, McKinnon. I'm not a witch. And I really will try to explain later. But right now, I think we should try to figure out what to do next. Unless I'm mistaken, we're going to be here for some time, like maybe all night."
Opening the car door, he stepped out and looked around. The rain had stopped as quickly as it had come, and only a few gusts of wind swirled around him. Charly got out and looked around too. It was unbelievable. The road was blocked in both directions, with many fallen trees, and she knew they wouldn't be able to clear it.