“if only you could see”

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During the seconds in which the the weather changed from sunlight beating down on us, rain began falling, at first in small drops that evaporated as they touched the concrete, to large bullets, to a downpour. The temperature dropped at least ten degrees, or so it felt. i relished in the change in weather, and so did the children. As the rain poured more steadily, they took turns daring each other to run about in the rain, not once thinking they might be wet and miserable within a few seconds. I sat on the top of a picnic table, watching them, smiling, wondering. The little girl walked back and forth underneath the edge of the roof, where all the water fell in bigger drops, and she loved it. I watched her as she screamed in delight, this joy in her world was something I couldn't remember. When was the last time I was so easily amused? The little girl smiled at me, and I couldn't help but smile back. Maybe she knew something I didn't. Maybe in this moment, I needed to let go of all my worries, let go of all my responsibilities, in order to understand. I slid off the picnic table, then scooped up the little girl, who was laughing constantly now. I ran with her into the grass, and spun her around in my arms, making myself more dizzy than the little girl, I'm sure. I set her down gently, and she hugged my legs. I gently pushed her back, and cupped my hands, letting them fill with water. I brought my hands over her head, and parted them, showering her with the water I collected. She giggled, much like a shrill, then cupped her own hands. Because she wasn't tall enough, she would simply throw the water at me, and laugh even more. As I finally began enjoying myself for once, the rain lifted, and the sun came out to dry the land. I picked up the little girl, bringing her back under the picnic area, and someone I didn't know, wrapped towels around us. I smiled at them, a sign of thanks, but they frowned at me. Of course, they wouldn't understand what I finally understood. But I'm sure they will, one day.