New Character:
Yuuta Nishimoto, 17, from Sendai, Japan. Quiet, smart, and obsessed with astronomy. Lives with his grandmother.
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Scene 1 — The Morning the Sky Felt Strange
Yuuta woke up early, just before school.
The sky looked normal, but the air felt unusually heavy, like the world was holding its breath.
His grandmother said quietly:
"Yuuta… today feels different. Be alert."
Yuuta didn't know why, but he packed extra water in his school bag—a habit his grandmother taught him.
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Scene 2 — The First Warning
At school, Yuuta felt the ground tremble lightly.
Not dangerous.
Just a small pre-shock.
The teacher paused and told everyone:
"Remember the rule—Drop, Cover, Hold."
Yuuta repeated it in his mind:
Drop. Cover. Hold. Stay calm. Think clearly.
Even though nothing big happened, Yuuta took it seriously.
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Scene 3 — The Real Earthquake Hits
It began with a deep, rumbling sound—like the earth itself was groaning.
Lights swung.
Windows rattled.
Alarms blasted.
Yuuta shouted:
"DROP! UNDER THE DESKS—NOW!"
The whole class followed him.
He held the desk legs tightly.
The ground moved so violently that books fell like rain.
He forced himself to breathe slowly:
"Stay calm, Yuuta… panic makes bad decisions."
After long seconds, the shaking stopped—
—but the danger wasn't over.
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Scene 4 — The Tsunami Alert
The school speaker crackled:
"THIS IS AN EMERGENCY. TSUNAMI WARNING. EVACUATE TO HIGH GROUND IMMEDIATELY."
Yuuta's heart froze.
His home…
His grandmother…
He whispered:
"I need to reach her."
But he first followed the proper rule:
1. Move to higher ground fast — never run toward the coast.
2. Avoid bridges near water.
3. Keep evacuation calm and organized.
Yuuta reached the hill behind the school along with other students.
From a distance they could hear sirens, car horns, people shouting—but they couldn't see the coast clearly.
No one knew what was happening, only that they had to stay high and wait.
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Scene 5 — Yuuta Learns the Hard Truth
Hours later, emergency workers reached their evacuation area.
Yuuta asked immediately:
"Please—my grandmother lives in the low district… is she safe?"
The rescue worker answered gently:
"Most families have been moved to shelters. We're still confirming everyone."
Yuuta tightened his fists but stayed silent.
He realized:
"I can't help anyone if I panic. I need to be useful."
So he joined volunteers who were carrying supplies to a temporary shelter.
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Scene 6 — What People Were Doing to Survive
Yuuta observed everything carefully:
At the shelter, people were:
Using emergency water pouches stored by the government
Sharing rice balls and non-perishable food
Charging phones using portable generators
Writing names on a large board labeled: "FOUND / MISSING"
Keeping children calm with small games
Handing out thermal blankets because the night was cold
Yuuta helped distribute water and checked elderly people for injuries.
He kept repeating internally:
"Think. Act. Help. Stay calm."
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Scene 7 — The Reunion
Late at night, Yuuta heard a familiar voice:
"Yuuta…?"
He turned around—
His grandmother stood there, tired but unharmed.
She hugged him tightly:
"You remembered everything I taught you. I'm proud."
Yuuta felt relief wash over him.
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Scene 8 — Yuuta's Final Words of the Chapter
Sitting in the shelter, looking at the emergency lamps flickering, Yuuta whispered:
"The world can change in one moment.
But survival starts in the same place—
with a calm mind, clear thinking,
and the courage to help others even when you're scared."
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CHAPTER 3 SURVIVAL LESSONS (for readers)
(Non-graphic. Safe. Real survival concepts.)
1. Earthquake Rule: DROP — COVER — HOLD
Drop to your hands and knees
Cover your head and neck
Hold onto something stable
2. After the Quake
Go to open space
Avoid damaged buildings
Don't use elevators
3. Tsunami Safety
Move to high ground immediately
Never go to
ward the sea to "see what's happening"
Stay until officials announce safety
4. Shelter Survival Basics
Share water properly
Help elderly and kids
Keep calm to avoid panic
Follow volunteer instructions