Crack a smile

The sun set quickly as dark storm clouds started to creep towards the city. Occasionally a bright white light faintly stained the sky and the busy, awaiting city was disrupted by thunder clapping moments later. It was going to be a rough evening. A young woman walked swiftly down a sidewalk, biting her lip nervously as she glanced up towards the darkening night sky. There was a sense of urgency to her steps and she desperately needed to make it home before the rain poured down on the city. Letting out an aggravated sigh, she stood still.

Frustrated, she kept her eyes focused on the little light across the road that shone bright red, indicating that it was unsafe to cross the road. A loud thunderous clap boomed over the city leaving everyone speechless as they waited to see if the rain made its approach. The young woman jumped slightly from the abrupt noise and pulled her jacket snugger around her. She leaned forward slightly and repeatedly pressed the crosswalk button attempting to make the green light appear. Fidgeting and shifting her weight restlessly between her feet, she raised her jacket sleeve to glance at her watch. This was taking too long.

Finally the light flashed green and she took off along the crosswalk praying the rain would hold off. Only one more block to go, she told herself on repeat. A clap of thunder rang loudly through the city, followed by a white, hot flash of lighting that lit up the gloomy street. The young woman froze as she felt a cold, wet sensation fall onto her face. Greeeat… she thought as it started to rain. She lifted her hood on her jacket in an attempt to keep dry.

Running through the dense rain the young woman splashed through puddles soaking her running shoes. A loud crack of thunder broke through her annoyed thoughts and her body tensed ready to duck for cover. Groaning softly, she felt a cold wet sensation run down her neck and into her shirt.

Jumping up wet cement stairs she fumbled with her keys as the rough wind pelted rain into her face. Slipping the key into the lock she quickly pushed the door open and slammed it shut behind her. Slumping against the large door, she took temporary shelter from the rampaging storm.

Four large, black paws scuffed against hard wood floor and a happy yelp quickly followed. The dog thrust itself at his owner with glee. Laughing happily, she bent down to kiss his head. “I am so sorry I am late,” she cooed to him. A bright flash of lighting interrupted their enthusiastic exchange. The dog froze and stared at his master, eye wide underneath the scruff. Waiting until the loud thunder followed, she laughed looking down at the large dog. “Yup, you’re going out there whether you like it or not.”

The dog whined and started to escape. Tail between legs, butt low with momentum, and legs slipping on the wood floor, he took off. The young women lunged forward attempting to grab his collar, but he managed to slip away and she fell to the ground in a wet heap. She really wished she had gotten home before the rain started.

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