#streetparty

They were near one of the tents, having just grabbed a snack to hold them over until Rachael had figured out what they had planned on doing for dinner and if they would be staying for the evening festivities. Watermelon dribbled down Sarah’s face, as she bit into a juicy slice. “Mom, I love watermelon!” she shouted, wiping her mouth with her arm. Rachael laughed , putting Lochlan into the Baby Bjorn she had packed for the day. “I know sweetheart.”

It was then that Rachael noticed the restlessness in the crowd, and the hairs on her neck stood on end. “Sarah, Honey. I am going to need you to listen to me very closely okay?” Rachael quickly instructed Sarah to hold her hand, and not let go. They then rose from the bench they were sitting on, and Rachael ushered her kids as far away from the swarming mob that seemed to be heading in the same direction that they were headed. 

As the people swarmed around Rachael and Sarah, there were shouts and screams as people started to be swept up and underneath the mob. Rachael grabbed Sarah, pulling her onto her back, piggy back style, in an effort to keep contact with Sarah, and not have to worry about her falling behind. 

With one child strapped to the front of her, and one clinging to the back of her Rachael struggled to keep moving in the direction that seemed to indicate freedom from they chaos that had enveloped the festivities. When she had the chance, Rachael ducked into a small alley and set Sarah down. “Hold on, Sweetheart. Momma just needs to take of her heels, don’t move okay?” Rachael had taken a step or two to balance herself by leaning against a wall so that she could reach down and remove her shoes.