Last Sunday, there was no dirt in the air, only bright spring sunshine and a clear blue sky. After church, Papa headed out to the field to check on the cattle while Mama started dinner. Faye and I played in the yard. The temperature suddenly dropped-it felt good. The 1 had been building since dawn.
Then Mama shouted from the house, "Merry, you and Faye get inside, real quick now!"
I looked to the west and saw a huge black cloud of2, like thick smoke from a railway engine's chimney. All the birds flew away. "Faye, go with Mama!" I shouted. "I'll warn Papa."
Faye ran toward the house. The storm hit so fast that I 3 saw her climb the porch(门 廊) steps. In a short time, the day turned into night. I 4 for Papa, hoping my voice would lead him back.
The dirt and sand stung my face like a thousand bees. I needed to get to shelter. 5 my face with one hand, I made my way toward the car and opened the door. Dirt flew in with me as I pulled the door closed. Papa was still out there! I needed to help him 6 the car.
I searched the dashboard (仪表板) and found the switch for the front 7. They made some rays, but would Papa see them in the thick 8? I pushed the horn again and again, hoping Papa would hear it.
Suddenly, Papa's face appeared at the window. My heart jumped with surprise and 9. He opened the door and climbed onto the seat next to me. He coughed and wiped his eyes with dirty hands, then pulled me into his arms. "Oh, Merry, you're 10. "
I hugged Papa and cried. I could feel the tears streaming down my dirty cheeks. Papa 11 my face. "Your mother and Faye?" I said, "They are in the house." Papa nodded, "Good. We'll wait out the storm there." Papa shut off the car's lights and I worried the dirt would 12 us.
Finally, the wind died down and the dust started to 13. Papa kicked against the door, opening it far enough to let us out. We went home as Mama 14 out. "Mama!" I shouted and ran into her arms. "Oh, my precious Merry!" Mama cried. "You and Papa are safe!"
"I'm safe thanks to Merry," Papa said. "The car's horn led me to shelter."
"I'm so proud of you." Mama said to me.
I cried even more then, tears of joy because our family had 15 the horrible storm.
