Sparks of water bombard the windowpane

A dog barks wildly somewhere in the distance

I glance outside; it’s been raining for days. Plunk. Plunk. Plunk

No way out, it’s too wet, too gross out there

All of a sudden

A squeal of delight

Little Janey rushes past me, plunging through the doggy door and out into the storm

I gasp, and without another breath, I rush out after her - into the wetness

I scan the trees, I see her

But seconds pass, and I only stand there, unable to move

She stands in the open field, arms outstretched, thrusting her face happily upwards into the dripping sky

She twirls, raindrops ricocheting off her pink summer dress

Turning – faster and faster and faster until –

She drops, bursting with laughter as she tumbles into the wet grass

I look up – the rain brushes against my cheeks as my face breaks into a grin. The wetness is a soft wetness, caressing my skin as I gaze into the never-ending sky

I look back at Janey. She sits calmly now, almost meditatively. She senses me watching and turns her head to face me. A peaceful smile dances on her face and she just sits there, one with the world around her

When did I lose that fascination? That appreciation for this stunning art that surrounds me – this wonderful adventure that everyone calls life.

The rain is starting to slow now to a gentle patter. As the clouds begin to clear away, small rays of dazzling sunlight begin to peer out from behind them, peaking curiously into the endless blue that surrounds them

I look at Janey - then once more into the sky, which is now a delightfully clear blue. Thank you, I whisper, and I smile

Thank you for showing me just how beautiful this world around me really is