Chapter 8 - THE BREAKING POINT
Just as they thought the worst was over, a massive, thunderous crack echoed from the attic. The structural beam, compromised by the immense weight of the snow drift, was failing. The ceiling above the main dining area bowed dangerously downward.
"Evacuate to the kitchen!" Walter yelled, hobbling out.
"The kitchen roof won't hold if the main beam snaps!" Elena cried. "The whole place will come down like a house of cards!"
Without thinking, Elena grabbed a hydraulic car jack Walter kept in the back room and a sturdy wooden post. She climbed the rickety ladder into the freezing, dark attic.
"Elena, don't! It's suicide!" Elias screamed, trying to follow her, but the ladder gave way.
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In the pitch-black attic, the wood groaned like a dying beast. Elena positioned the jack under the splintering main beam, wedging the post in place. She pumped the handle, her muscles screaming, her breath freezing on her lips. The beam fought back, the weight of the mountain pressing down on her. "Come on!" she screamed, pumping the jack one last time.
With a deafening groan, the beam lifted just enough to stabilize. Elena collapsed in the dust and insulation, her vision going black from exhaustion.
