The storm clouds drew closer. I was in the back yard and Peg was in her side yard and we talked over the fence. When an uncontrollable something threatens, friendships take on new meaning. We wished each other a safe night and talked about where in our houses were the safe places. We’d retreat there, if need be.
I moved Agnes the Asparagus Fern off the picnic table and set her on the floor of the front porch. Lawn chairs went against the house. Things were battened down. I watched as the storm clouds approached. Then, it came! The first growl of thunder. This was Nemo’s signal. Up from the rug, anxious look in his eyes, following my every step. Out came the thunder shirt, and around Nemo’s plump little body, making him look sort of like a stuffed sausage.
Thunder continued and the rain began. A few drops at first, then more. The wind blew, but right here at my house, it wasn’t nearly as strong as had been feared. Finally, after several hours, the storm rumbled off to other places. Nemo drew a breath of relief and lay down on the rug once more. That terrible, noisy giant hadn’t gotten him this time and he was safe.
It’s springtime and storms are what we can expect in this area of the country. Scary, yes. In a way, exhilarating. At least, the feeling of relief is a heady sensation, once the storm blows over.
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