A burst of lighting was followed by thunder that shook the air and rattled the glasses on the countertop. A thick gray blanket now covered the high blue sky. The water moved in sheets across the cove, coming towards the small cottage. When it arrived, it slammed against the thin windows and rattled the roof.
The children huddled around the wood stove, seeking the safety of its warmth. The gave yips of restrained fear as another flash of lightning cut through the room and the lights went out. When the crack of thunder crashed against their eardrums they started to cry. Then the wind howled and the branches of the trees scratched against the windows, trying to get in.
Their parents tried to calm them with soft words and gentle caresses, but even they felt the wrath of Nature as the white-capped waves battered the rocks below the cottage. They looked out entranced and afraid.
In time the sky began to grow light, and the family felt relief just as another flash brought a burst that shook the foundation of the cottage. They were in the storm’s eye.
The rain exploded on the roof top and the branches battered the windows. The wind howled in mourning, sending shivers up their spines. Father put another log on the fire and they huddled closer to its warmth, backs to the madness of the outside world.
It was over in an instant. The thunder became a distant rumble as the wind and rain died down. Drops of water fell in intermittent patterns from branches returned to stiff attention.
They stepped outside to a blue sky. The damp heaviness of the air gone with the gray blanket, allowing them all to breathe in relief, and laugh at how foolish it was to feel fear.
