It was a rainy day in town.

It was a rainy day in town. He looked outside and groaned. The commute was going to be awful today. Better to leave the house at least ten minutes early to avoid being late; another tardy and he’d get an official warning. Thankfully, the coffee was ready, he always prepped it the night before, but his wallet wasn’t where it should be. He overturned the couch cushions, looked in the desk drawers, sent papers scattering across the floor. He broke out into a sweat as those ten minutes dwindled into seven, then five, then zero. He threw up his hands and rushed out the door, leaving his wallet. He got in the car and sped off towards the highway. He turned the corner, tires squealing as he spotted a school bus up ahead. Behind him, red and blue lights lit up. He gripped the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white. It was a rainy day in town.

It was a rainy day in town. Her mother dressed her in her favorite purple raincoat and boots. “Can I splash in the puddles Mommy?” Her mom shook her head and told her to wait until she got to school or else, she’d be late for the bus. They waited at the end of the driveway as the rain pattered down on her jacket. She liked the way it sounded. She looked up at the sky, outstretched her arms and started to twirl around and around as her mother chased after her telling her to stop. She laughed and twirled faster and faster. The clouds turned into a kaleidoscope of grays and white. The school bus pulled up and the lights flashed red as she struggled to see the path in front of her, dizzy. It was a rainy day in town.

It was a rainy day in town. The mailbag was sopping wet, and he hoped the papers were still dry inside. His shoes were starting to seep water, his socks were soggy. He still had 5 hours left of his shift. If Mr. Peterson got another wet bill, it’d be his job on the line. It’s too bad mailmen can’t control the weather. He made his way to each house while trying to protect his packages. He rounded a corner, tripped on a broken edge of the sidewalk, and fell hard to the cement, sending the mail scattering. He hurried to gather all the pieces before they got even wetter but he knew it was a wasted effort. He angrily stuffed the mail back into the bag, turned around and headed back to the post office, tears clouding his vision. It was a rainy day in town.

It was a rainy day in town. The birds were up early to hunt for breakfast, darting from branch to branch, picking at berries and seeds. The rain bounced off their feathers as they sat in the trees, watching their surroundings. The mother Cardinal sat on her nest, warming her eggs, waiting for breakfast to arrive. She fluffed her feathers against the cool morning, and gazed into the yard as her mate gathered their meal. Berries were her favorite and they were plentiful this spring. The robins watched the ground for earthworms who were on their way to the surface. They sang their song and others gathered for the feast. It was a rainy day in town.

It was a rainy day in town. The house cat sat in her favorite spot in the front window of the house. It had the best view. She watched the birds and the squirrels in the trees, her eyes wide, not missing any movement. A black-capped chickadee landed in the bush right outside the window and looked inside at the cat. The cat stood and analysed the situation. If only there weren’t this solid piece of glass in front of her. She pawed at the glass as the chickadee lost interest and flew away to a nearby cedar. The cat settled back down, turning her back on the view. She curled up for a nap, letting the rain drops lull her into a deep sleep. The birds would still be there when she woke up. They were always there. It was a rainy day in town.

It was a rainy day in town. The rabbit ventured out onto the pathway, choosing her next move carefully. Looking all around, she darted across the worn, grassy path into the opposing bushes and listened for anything that could be watching her. She sensed no danger, so she carried on her adventure to find some fresh wildflowers. She nibbled on some grasses as she went, enjoying the fresh water accumulating on the blades. An owl watched from high above but let her continue on her way. He closed his eyes and would sleep until the stars peeked through the canopy. The rain pattered down into the forest like a dull drum, making the usually quiet woods come alive with sound. The rabbit quickly bounded away, using the sound as cover before it ended its downpour. It was a rainy day in town.

It was a rainy day in town. The fox snuggled deeper into its den; its hunt finished just before the dawn. It was a long night, only a few eggs and mice to fill his belly. The rain began to fall as he crossed the great stream, where the ruined stone mill once stood, only a mile from home. He was only slightly damp as he crossed the threshold of his den beneath the damp, mossy rock. He had no more plans except to sleep and save energy for dusk. He shook off the few droplets still clinging to his fur and laid down, curling his bushy tail around himself. The rain was like a companion, making its way into his dreams and deepening his slumber. His night adventures would start anew by the time the moon rose this evening. His path to the lake would be alive with new scents and he hoped breakfast would come easy. It was a rainy day in town.