The wind whips us forward up downtown streets, our umbrellas inverting and hats flying. This Midwestern spring, when dark storms cloak the afternoon, we run toward flickering restaurant lights. We, strangers, gather in our soaked suits, nod our heads, and sigh relief.
Oh, love this! You described the setting so well; love how the title rounds it out.
Thanks so much. Glad it worked!
Such a lovely post. Your writing evokes the warm fuzzies. Nice job!
Thanks, Susan! Warm fuzzies are good.
🙂 🙂 🙂
Ah, Meg. That warmth between strangers on a cold , rainy night. Er…I mean… you know what I mean, right? 😉
I do! Thanks for reading and commenting, Shailaja. (I love typing your name!)
This is a painting: I can see it that clearly. Awesome line: “..forward up downtown streets…”
Awww, thanks, Jennifer. I had to fight myself to keep the “up” in there. The grammar police in my head were saying “no!” 😉
Love the community feeling of the last line, the rain brings us together.
Thanks so much, LHN! I was hoping the sense of community would come through. Rain does bring us together.
Fantastic imagery! I could picture the scene perfectly. And I love how the weather brings strangers together and makes them comrades.
Thanks for your kind words, Suzanne. Who hasn’t been caught with strangers in a storm, right?
I love this line, “When dark storms cloak the afternoon.” That verb really paints a picture there. Awesome work!
I’m so glad! Thanks for reading and commenting, Melanie!
So vivd for me, I’ve felt the same way when I lived in new york city, especially with those darn umbrellas in the rain! Very nice!
Thank you, Jen! My sister in law has this thing where she collects photos, taken by herself and others, of inverted, abandoned umbrellas. She posts them on Facebook. There’s something so compelling about them.
Vivid imagery here. Great job.
Thank you, Dawn! Much appreciated.
I had the image of all those nannies in Mary Poppins getting blown back to start as your characters were running for cover. Loved the scene. I was right there with them!
Hah! Poor nannies! Thanks for reading and commenting, Kathy.
Wonderful imagery. A perfect little slice of life.
Thanks for your kind words, Danielle.
It’s like you were there yesterday when I was caught in a downpour. I stepped in front of an entrance that had an awning and anyone who joined me caught my eye and gave me a look of relief. When the storm ended we quietly continued on our way. That’s the image your gargleblaster leaves me with.
I was there yesterday! Ludington, Chicago. 😉 Sorry you got caught in the rain but glad this rang true for you. Thanks, Nate.
I WENT there with you, Meg! I’ve had that experience everywhere – in Paris, New York and at home. You described it so vividly. My favourite image was of the restaurant’s flickering lights.
Thanks so much, Silverleaf. Yeah, I can’t think how many times I’ve been unprepared and had to run into a restaurant. You know, you’re dripping wet, a little embarrassed but everyone else is right there with you, in the same boat, so to speak. Happy it struck a chord for you. <3
I love the mood you created here and the image of all the people escaping the weather to be able to share a moment of relief together.
Thanks for your kind words, Marcy! Really appreciate your reading and commenting.
Very vivid, Meg! If I say anything more, I will be repeating the comments above. Lovely writing!!
Thanks so much!
The sounds in this are like a bad-ass wind! < 3
Hah! I was thinking it was windy.
Great take on the prompt! I didn’t participate this week, but have loved seeing what everyone came up with.
I’ve experienced your scene before and it’s good memories all around. xo
Yes, I missed you this week, Michelle! But I noticed you have some posts that I need to check out.
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