It all happened then, on the 24th of August, 79 CE. I remember it as if it were just yesterday. I was working in the muggy craft shop making jewelry. I look out the window, and I soon realized it was almost noon, I scurried on outside and slowed when I got into the main road. Some workmen, and women were taking an early lunch, and I decided to do the same, because I haven't eaten since dawn. I just stood there in the road, something felt funny. Why is it so hot? I thought to myself. I was so focused on eating that I didn't realize how hot the blazing sun was. Why didn't I notice, it's been like this for weeks now, probably a month! I look at the gently glistening sea next to the markets, and see some people swimming in the water, splashing. Hey! That might not be a bad idea... But my thought was interrupted by a rumbling sound coming from Vesuvius's direction.
The gods must be still angry with us, Pompeii. I wonder if that's why it has been so hot lately. There is a good chance I'm right. Why else would have some fountains run dry the last couple days? Before I could keep on with my questions, there was a rumble and a shake from the volcano. Vesuvius has been resembling a god's pointy rumbling stomach for a while now. I sat on the steps to the dress maker's house, and sighed. I crinkled my eyebrows, could this be like what happened 17 years ago? The earthquake's rumble from the past seems to be in harmony with Vesuvius's trembles.
All of a sudden, I found my friend waving vigorously at my direction. He started to walk to me. I starred at him for a while to get back to the real world, and then I jerked my head, and nearly lost my balance as I watched him. He has been helping repair the damage from the earthquake 17 years ago. We were both about 13 years old when the earthquake had hit. I couldn't help it but to remember the chaos and the madness that has been created in the city.
"Lord Earthshaker, preserve us," I whispered under my breath. "Hey! Long time, no see." he smiled. I just saw you four hours ago." I replied. "Now, really? Time flies doesn't it?" he questioned. He dropped off his building equipment by the trees, and we walked to the thermopolium for a bite of lunch together.
Few hours later, the volcano was roaring with smoke and intensively hot heat. Everyone knew we only had a few minutes left. I rounded up some people at my friend's job sites to come leave with me. We ran to the deck of the sea, and caught the only ship left, and sailed off. As we sailed away, Vesuvius was slowly distancing itself from the ship. Suddenly there were some screams, and sounds of explosions. There it was the lava and ashes shot up into the air so high every city near us could see it. Then it faded away. We have survived, and lived to tell the tale of Mount Vesuvius. All the other survivors told the tale too, as I am telling you my story.
The gods must be still angry with us, Pompeii. I wonder if that's why it has been so hot lately. There is a good chance I'm right. Why else would have some fountains run dry the last couple days? Before I could keep on with my questions, there was a rumble and a shake from the volcano. Vesuvius has been resembling a god's pointy rumbling stomach for a while now. I sat on the steps to the dress maker's house, and sighed. I crinkled my eyebrows, could this be like what happened 17 years ago? The earthquake's rumble from the past seems to be in harmony with Vesuvius's trembles.
All of a sudden, I found my friend waving vigorously at my direction. He started to walk to me. I starred at him for a while to get back to the real world, and then I jerked my head, and nearly lost my balance as I watched him. He has been helping repair the damage from the earthquake 17 years ago. We were both about 13 years old when the earthquake had hit. I couldn't help it but to remember the chaos and the madness that has been created in the city.
"Lord Earthshaker, preserve us," I whispered under my breath. "Hey! Long time, no see." he smiled. I just saw you four hours ago." I replied. "Now, really? Time flies doesn't it?" he questioned. He dropped off his building equipment by the trees, and we walked to the thermopolium for a bite of lunch together.
Few hours later, the volcano was roaring with smoke and intensively hot heat. Everyone knew we only had a few minutes left. I rounded up some people at my friend's job sites to come leave with me. We ran to the deck of the sea, and caught the only ship left, and sailed off. As we sailed away, Vesuvius was slowly distancing itself from the ship. Suddenly there were some screams, and sounds of explosions. There it was the lava and ashes shot up into the air so high every city near us could see it. Then it faded away. We have survived, and lived to tell the tale of Mount Vesuvius. All the other survivors told the tale too, as I am telling you my story.
