It's windy outside,

and I'm alone.

The rain pours down from the dark gray sky.

A storm is brewing,

and I can only imagine it's because you're gone.

I hear your voice in the whispers of the wind...

I can almost see your face, as you look excitedly out the window.

You always did love the rain.

Something about it excited you,

although I'm not entirely sure what.

When we were kids,

we used to stomp in the puddles and muddy our evening attire.

Oh, how cross our parents were at us for spoiling our new clothes,

but you and I didn't care.

We were merely kids, enjoying the simple pleasures. The small things,

while we still could.

Then we grew up, and could no longer entertain such childish behavior,

but I never stopped thinking of those days.

Whenever it rained while I was away from you, I'd walk outside, opening my arms and staring up at the sky as the rain poured down on me and soaked me.

When I grew even older, I'd instead stare out the windows of my estate, watching as the water puddled on the ground, and remembering the times when we were together, and you'd sling me over your shoulder and carry me over the puddles so I wouldn't soil my brand new boots.

Now, I listen to the rain and hear your voice in the pattering as the drops hit the ground.

The rain is full of ghosts tonight.

So much has changed.

-Brianna Cecille Blades