She was in the back of a truck trying to outrun the tsunami with about 20 children when a wave tossed the truck and it landed on top of them.
“We all went under the water and I think a number of the children died instantly,” Pearse said. “I asked: ‘Is this my time to come home? Take me home, I’m ready,’ and I let my breath out and I took a big gulp of water ... and I don’t know, I just popped out [from under the water].”



