Welcome to 500 Words.

Firefighters are working to contain the wildfires and making progress. We're back in our apartment. My youngest son is back in middle school. But it still feels like 911 times. We're wearing masks outside because of the ash and debris on the ground and in the air. The go bag is still in the car. My backpack is out, ready with masks, gloves, battery power supply, drives with years of my work on them, first aid kits. My wallet, keys, and phone are in my pockets at all times in case we have to leave fast. As my eldest son said, we're sleeping with one eye open.

People talk about returning to normal. But it's not like that. There isn't anything like a new normal. We seek equilibrium, but with a new set of facts.

If you want to help, consider supporting two USC professors who have lost their homes in the fires.