Summer Storm
Summer was in full swing and nothing was moving.
There was not a breath of air, and even though it was only mid July the grass already
resembled a field of wheat ready to harvest. Malcolm was out with William who
led them both down to the waterfront, at the very least the coolness of the
water gave some kind of relief. Clear blue skies stretched across the horizon
as far as you could see, at least as far as you could see in that particular
direction. The harbour was jammed up with the Sail boats being used only for
those that had them to sleep on at night or the occasional party. But not right
now. Right now it was mid afternoon on a Saturday and all the sensible people
were tucked under a nice willow with a glass of lemonade or their own preferred
beverage.
William ran straight into the water and paddled back
and forth along the shore line for 55 minutes straight. Malcolm had abandoned
his sneakers and socks and waded in as far as he could without getting his
shorts wet. The maples that lined the lakeshore were all virgin growth and made
a formidable wall against the skyline to the north. So it was a complete
surprise to both Malcolm and William when a crack of thunder broke the silence
of the afternoon. It was such a loud and unexpected announcement of the arrival
of the first summer storm that Malcolm practically fell into the water. He did
actually fall in the water when William made a B line for him and tried jumping
into his arms. William didn’t like
thunder, or fireworks or anyone mimicking fireworks, or car horns and he didn’t
like the noise he just heard. Malcolm
was practically held under water by the weight of the collie and was
frantically trying to get his head above the water line. Another loud boom
followed by a flash of light high up in the clouds now looming over the line of
maples probably saved Malcolm. William thought the picnic table over in the
park was a much safer place and raced away. Coughing and spitting out clumps of
algae Malcolm oriented him and crawled to his feet out of the water.
In an instant the wind picked up, as if someone
opened a door which was followed by consecutive flashes of light and thunder.
It was going to be a storm to remember but not one that you would really want
to be out in. Malcolm knew he needed shelter and immediately thought of Andrew’s
place. From the look on Williams face he would have sworn the dog was thinking
the same thing. He was sure of it when he darted out from under the table and
ran straight towards the house. Malcolm chased behind and just made it through
the back gate when the first drops of rain began to fall.
Andrew had a beautiful covered patio and laughed at
the sight of Malcolm soaked to the skin. “How is it you are so wet and it is
only starting to rain?” William was
scratching madly at the patio door. Andrew reached over and slides the glass
panel.
“But he’s soaked, protested
Malcolm.
“Just a little water, it will dry.” Replied Andrew
calmly. “Anyway, you’re just in time, I was experimenting this afternoon and it
seems I got a little carried away. Why don’t you grab a towel and dry yourself
and I’ll finish up here. Then we can sit and watch the rain. I love a good
storm, don’t you?
“They’re the best” said Malcolm as he disappeared into the
house.
Andrew called in and asked Malcolm to bring out a
couple plates with him along with the bottle of Shiraz that was sitting on the
counter.
Malcolm set the table and Andrew served. “Fresh Buratta and
heirloom tomato salad with fresh basil and balsamic vinaigrette” he announced.
They ate and Malcolm told Andrew all about the
afternoon and practically drowning. They laughed together and counted the lightning
and thunder strike listened to the rain and let the coolness of the fresh storm
air wash over them. Malcolm even tried a little wine; it was a perfect summer
day.
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