Rain

It had been a long and unforgiving summer, especially for Tyler, who had grown up in a house that had central air-conditioning. Nothing from his privileged upbringing had prepared him for this experience.

Sebastian, who had grown up with electric fans and the occasional blackout, was taking it all in stride. He was peering out of the apartment window, a small buri fan in his hand and a smile on his face.

“What are you smiling about?” Tyler asked, elbowing Sebastian aside and looking outside the window himself. The view was still the same: a side street full of skateboarders trying unsuccessfully to execute tricks.

“Don’t look there, dumbass,” Sebastian replied with a grin. “Look up.”

And there it was — rolling gray clouds that could only mean one thing: Rain.

“Race you?”  he asked Sebastian, only to find out that Sebastian was already dashing out.

By the time they were out the door, the rain was pouring in earnest. The skateboarders were scampering for shelter, but he and Sebastian were taking it all in. Fat drops fell solidly on their bodies, seeped through their clothes and drew out all the heat coiled inside of their bodies. It was awesome.