Rain

• Joanne Lu, Grade 10
• Short Story
• 2014

The rain continued to pour down like buckets. I sat on the empty swing set, gently rocking myself back and forth. My eyes were focused on the houses but I saw only nothingness. My mind was a blur, too many thoughts and it was driving me crazy. I was barely holding on. I embraced the water splattering on my skin with open arms and basked in the rhythmic beat of the rain. I shed not even a tear. The rain droplets sliding down my face would have to suffice.

Suddenly the rain stopped. Who am I kidding? This isn't some perfectly timed drama. It was an umbrella. I slowly traced my eyes up the hand and it landed on a boy. He looked pretty annoyed to be standing in the rain. I didn’t know why people hated rain so much. We would always hide in our homes when the rain came; but rain was so beautiful and she didn’t get nearly enough love.

"What the hell is wrong with you?"

"Leave me alone," I muttered.

He sighed deeply and swore to himself. Just as he turned around and started walking away, I felt something rough wrap around my arm. What does he think he’s doing? I don't even know him. I let him drag me behind him and feigned weakness. He could be a rapist luring me away for all I know. His grip on my arm loosened when he realised I was following him obediently. Big mistake. That was when I attacked; I ripped my arm from his grip and kicked him in the balls. I ran. I glanced back at his figure rolling around next to his fallen umbrella in pain. Maybe I kicked a little too hard, but serves you right stranger for not listening to me.

I ran far away from the boy. I turned at random corners and let myself get lost. I had nowhere to return to anyway. The trees grew thicker creating a barrier that kept me dry from the pouring rain. When my breathing became uneven and my heart pumped against my chest painfully, I stopped to catch my breath. It was only then that I noticed the throbbing pain in my head; a pain so horrible that I for a moment forgot about all my troubles. I rest my body on the tree, letting it bear my weight. What did I have to live for anymore? My legs gave in and I dropped to the floor, tears finally escaping my eyes. They promised they would stay but they left me, all alone in this cruel world. I lay on the grass and surrendered to the darkness, who was all but happy to accept me.