A Volcanic Morning

"Maya, you have to wake up now." her mother's distressed voice said while lightly shaking her. She never woke her up like this and Maya woke up at once because she sensed the panic in her mother's voice. "What's happening?" Maya asked and rubbed her eyes. "We have to go to the summerhouse really quickly. Let's play that game we do in the morning, when we're late for school. See how fast you can get dressed, okay?" Maya nodded and got out of bed. It seemed like a really weird time to play this game because it was Saturday and she was really looking forward to watching cartoons, but now they had to go to the summerhouse? It was dark and grey outside. She didn't know the time yet, but she guessed it was still night and maybe dawn would come around soon. "Faster, Maya!" her mother yelled up the stairs. Her dad came up the stairs and grabbed her back pack. "Pack the things you like the most. Come on, quick, Maya." he said and urged her with his hand. She started by putting her two favourite dolls in the backpack and then her new colouring book and pencil case. "Where's my iPad?" Maya asked. "Your mother packed it in the car already. Now let me just get some of your clothes... There we go. Where's your sweater?" "Downstairs. Living room." Maya said, still confused about the hurry. "Great. Come on, I'll carry you down the stairs." Maya loved when her dad carried her. She was just about becoming too old for people to carry her. With the backpack on her back and teddy in her hand she flew down the stairs on her dad's hip. "The sweater's in the living room" her dad said to her mum and nodded in the direction. "Perfect. Get in the car, I'll be there in a sec." "Now I need you to hold this cloth over your mouth when we go outside, Maya. It's an extra little game this morning." "But why.." "Just, please do it." The look her father gave her made her drop all questions. This wasn't a game. It was serious. Her dad opened the door. There was a thick grey fog everywhere. Maya held the cloth against her mouth, but still couldn't help coughing as she was brought to the car. Her dad secured her seatbelt and got in the driver's seat. Her mum came out the front door, locked it and ran to the car with Maya's sweater while covering her mouth with her sleeve. Her mum got in the front seat and turned around to Maya. "It's gonna be okay, Maya. We just need to go for a little while." "Is it the volcano?" Maya asked. "Yes, it is." her mum answered and continued: "but you've got nothing to worry about. We're getting out of here in time."