tremblement de terre

We had such a big earthquake in Wellington yesterday. Living here, you get used to the ground shuddering underneath your feet but yesterday, it wasn't so much a shudder but a huge jolt. It sounded like thunder cracking, followed by the clatter of things falling off the shelves downstairs. We crouched under a too-small table, clutching hands, eyes wide. When the shaking finished, the first instinct was to take the stairs and run outside where everyone else was gathering, pale and bent over cellphones. My green vase full of pink peonies had dropped to the carpet, seeping water. To calm the nerves, we found refuge at a cafe with linguine, drinks, and rum chocolate cake. After that, the earth was still again.

♥ Dress is vintage ♥ Cardigan is thrifted ♥