Downpour

  I watched the rain pour down from the murky, dreary sky, waiting for my dad to come home after ten years. Even when I’m inside, the damp smell of the rain hovers mixing with the burning wood from the fireplace. I huddled tighter in my blanket. The feeling of warmth and cosiness ebbs through me.
  My eyes wandered around, staring through the window again. It fascinated me, rain, the endless cycle of Mother Nature. The droplets of water sliding down on the glass reminded me of tears trickling down on someone’s face. Just like tears, it is a clear liquid and just like tears, it causes the atmosphere to sullen. The only cure is happiness, love and heat.
  I wrapped my hands around the smooth mug. It contained a soft, dark brown liquid that ripples as I touch it. Hot chocolate. The beverage soothed my numbness and my anticipation. A sudden strike of light woke me from the unconsciousness I was slipping to and after a few seconds rumbling followed.
  I could hear the wind, whistling, tugging at the trees. I could hear the soft patter of rain like footsteps against pavement. The clouds overshadowing the world, creates a shade of grey and bleakness and against the gloomy surrounding, a shadow of a figure appears, holding a luggage and an umbrella. At first, I felt a slight puzzlement to the change of scenery but then comprehension dawned on me.
  Flinging my blanket and putting the mug down, I dashed to the brown wooden door. It was the only thing that separated me from my dad after all these years. A quiet knock echoed through the wood. I clasped my hand on the bronze handle and swung the door wide.
  Standing in front of me was a tall man dressed in a black coat. He looked remarkably the same ten years ago. Only the wrinkles along his sepia eyes indicated the passing of time. As he looked down, a wide grin spread across his face. Overwhelming happiness flooded into me. The feeling of hearth bloomed in me. Ten years have I been shrouded in the mystery if my dad would return home.
  The relief was indescribable when my mum and I received the notification that my dad was coming home from the war.

  Family, the definition of love and warmth and the cure to any dour occasion.