The quake’s impact wasn’t its size, but the sense of vulnerability it brought. From Julian to Los Angeles, people froze, clutched loved ones, and watched fixtures sway—then it ended, leaving only an eerie silence.
The brief early warning reminded everyone that seconds can mean the difference between panic and preparation. By morning, social media buzzed with nervous jokes and confessions, a shared truth lingering: this time the earth showed mercy. Next time, no one knows.
