June 5 - Thunderstorm

It begins with untimely darkness and a distant rumble, and suddenly the sky explodes with spectacular veins of light, illuminating the thick clouds. The wind rushes down the street from the west scattering leaves and grocery bags. The rain begins in fat drops, then in violent streams, turning the street to a river churned up by the rain and sloshing tires. The apartment building across the street is a blur, and people splash along the sidewalk under useless umbrellas and cover their ears with each thunder clap.

Just as abruptly, the torrents diminish to a shower, a sprinkle, then nothing. The trees are upright again, and a sliver of blue appears on the western horizon.