The leaves in the trees fluttered in protest as a fierce rumble of thunder shook the mountains. Lightning split the rapidly darkening sky, opening it up. Rain poured down hard and fast, stinging my exposed skin. The inn where I was staying was a good three miles behind me, but up ahead was a covered bridge. It promised shelter, refuge from the storm.
The white cotton dress I was wearing had become drenched, transparent, and was molded to my body. I broke into a run. The sound of the slap of my sandals against the pavement, the smell of the surrounding pines, and the feel of the cool rain in the middle of the hot summer day took me back to a time when my life was simple and uncomplicated.
[Read more…]
