The next morning, the storm was over – but there were a lot of branches everywhere. Pal's dog house was damaged, too. Arthur watched the news. "Elwood City avoided a direct hit," said the weatherman, "but some people near the river had to leave their homes – and even their pets." Arthur felt sad. He patted Pal. "I don't know what I'd do if I ever lost you," said Arthur.
When Brain saw the ice cream shop in the morning, he was shocked! A large tree had crashed right through the front of the store. "But we were prepared!" said Brain. "Sometimes these things just happen," replied his dad. Later that night, at bedtime, Brain couldn't sleep. He was too worried. "What if a tree falls on our house?" he asked. "That's not going to happen," said his dad. "But you don't know that," said Brain. "Look what happened to our store!"
The next day, Ladonna was walking with Bud. "You know, if Dad can't be home, I think I'll just skip my birthday this year," said Ladonna. Bud stopped walking. "But… that's against the laws of nature!" said Bud. "Nah," said Ladonna, "it's just another day." When they got home, Ladonna talked with her dad on a video call. "I'll try to be home in time for your birthday," he said, "but if it rains again, I might not–" Just then, the connection was lost.
The next morning, when Muffy came downstairs, she saw that the storm had flooded the whole house! Muffy and her parents had to go to a hotel! But when they arrived, all the rooms were full. "Where will we stay?" asked Muffy. Mr. Crosswire said, "I know a place. It's not a fancy hotel, but there are lots of warm beds!" When they got there, Muffy looked around and gasped. "A shelter?"