Tears Of Joy

• Ruchi Bath-samarakoon, Grade 5
• Short Story
• 2015

The long, once lush grass could've caught on fire had it been a degree hotter. But no matter how many rain dances and parades we did, the clouds stayed stubborn. Not a drop out of them. They were arrogant and I knew no matter what it took, I would get the better of them.

Cattle were dying out fast, food was scarce and water was not to be found. Many on the farm had already lived a happy life and were now on the way to the unknown. I had to help, because before I knew it, I would be embraced in hugs in heaven. Slowly, I sat down watching the fading sunset. The hot stone step burnt me. The moon shone brightly in the sky and I felt a sense of relief knowing that the moon could not generate heat. No more heat was necessary, not for me anyway.

I awoke with a splitting headache. The sun had risen early and, at 6:00am was already scorching the thirsty earth. Yesterday, I wore my skimpy dress; today, I wore my bathing suit. Hopefully, I wouldn't have to wear my birthday suit tomorrow. I hated it. I would not let the sun have victory over me.

I had heard old wives' tales about how clouds cry when they laugh. My mum once told me that clouds always think balloons are hysterical. Now my ideas combined to create a mega-mind idea. I raced under the blistering sun. My feet bled and I was drowning in my own sweat. Finally, I reached the dirty, old and mouldy local store. I grabbed as many packets of balloons as I could and raced home, my head drooping with exhaustion.

Against all the odds, I discovered a reservoir of energy that I didn't know existed and started inflating the balloons furiously. Finally, the last balloon was blown. It seemed like years of pumping helium but it only took a mere fraction. Running, I threw the balloons in the air. The balls of colours flew up into the sky like a rainbow with a million shades. Soon, I could see the clouds shaking with laughter, they were going dark and grey. I had to hug myself, for now I was shivering cold. The excessive rain was going to cause a flood!