Page 109 of Cavern of Silence

I turn back to the boys. The oldest is trying to be brave while the other two sob in his arms.

"Stay here," Ryker instructs. He climbs the ladder and brings the horse blankets down then covers the man while the children wail harder.

After several minutes, Ryker puts his arm on the oldest boy's shoulder. "You and your brothers need to get back to your mama and siblings."

He wipes his eyes and straightens up then tells his brothers to follow him back to the house.

Ryker and I get inside the truck, and the boys jump in the bed. He drives back to the house, and he tells the boys to go inside with their mama. He leads me over to a picnic table and bonfire pit then tugs me into his lap.

"You're shaking."

I stare into his blue eyes, still in shock.

He releases a big breath and tightens his arms around me. "Thank God nothing happened to you."

"So much destruction. Out of nowhere."

"Yeah."

"He said to tell his family he loved them." Tears fall again.

Ryker strokes my head. "Shh. I'm so sorry I left you with him. I shouldn't have."

"No. I'm glad he wasn't all alone."

Painful cries come from inside the house. A blonde woman runs out the door with the oldest boy on her heels.

Ryker and I rise, and she runs in the direction of the barn. When she gets inside, she collapses over her dead husband while the boy sobs with her.

Six children come outside. A little girl, maybe twelve, who looks like a replica of her mother, holds a baby, and her two sisters stay near her side. The two brothers who were at the barn stand behind their sisters. All of them are crying.

"Stay with the children," Ryker says and goes to the barn. Ryker tugs both the woman and the boy into his arms and tries to comfort them.

I gather the kids and make them go back into the house. They don't argue, and I have them sit in the family room while we wait.

The baby cries and the sister tries to comfort him. But she is upset herself and trying to hold it together for her siblings.

I take the infant from her and pace the room. My heart bleeds for this family, and I try to figure out what I can do to help, but all I can do is take care of the baby and try to comfort the other children.

A long time passes until Ryker returns with the mother and older brother. She is in shock and can hardly walk on her own. She barely glances at me.

"Julieta, take Cristina to her room." He turns to the oldest daughter. "Can you show Julieta where that is?"

She sniffles and takes her mother's hand. "Come on, Mama."

I hand Ryker the baby and go with them.

Cristina gets in bed, and a fresh wave of wails come out of her. Her daughter slides next to her, and they hold each other in their grief.

I leave the room, and Ryker motions for me to go into the kitchen.

"The horses and cows are everywhere, and some are hurt. I'm going to take the boys with me to try to sort the animals out. Can you watch the other children?"

"Yes, of course. Be careful."

"I will. Stay inside. There could be aftershocks, so if anything happens, get everyone under a table or in a closet."

"Okay."