Reading Response #4: Ashfall

(The farmhouse Alex sees is in bad shape because of the ash.) 

As Alex sets off in the direction of his parents he soon realizes his journey won't be an  easy one.  He is running out of water and the sulfurs ash has made all the rivers and streams toxic and poisonous. The ash just keeps falling and falling.  It's getting on and in everything Alex has brought along for this endeavor.  On top of that, the ash is making it harder and harder to breath and every step has become a long and painful one.  It's looking pretty bad for Alex when he spots a farm house he may be able to seek shelter in.  He drags himself over to it's front door but the process is just to much and he collapses just a few feet from it.  As he lies on his back he musters up enough strength be able to pull his hood over his face to keep the ash at bay.  Complete and utter darkness consumes him.  He closes his eyes and falls asleep.  He is shaken awake in what seemed like only seconds later, Alex is startled to see a girl his age starring back at him.  He could only look at her for a few moments before going under once again.

When Alex trudged through the thick ash he muttered to himself, "I know I'm not a man, or rather boy of faith but God, why have you done this."  I find this quot to be very relevant not only to the story but to life as well.  In trying times people tend to ask God what his plan is or why his plan isn't what they would like it to look like. I can see how Alex is struggling to come to grips with what has happened to the world around him.  He just want's some kind of answer.  I know I would.  However, I do think God will answer his prayer in some form or fashion.