Rain

“Idiots on the road and low visibility,” John kept telling Caitlin as he put some rain clothes and gadgets into their packs.

Maxim Trevelyan
Writer, Ravenclaw

Caitlin was glaring outside at the torrential rain that had been falling incessantly for better part of the night and now during the day. She and John were supposed to leave for their long anticipated camping trip four hours ago, but her husband refused to drive in the heavy rain.

“Idiots on the road and low visibility,” John kept telling Caitlin as he put some rain clothes and gadgets into their packs.

Caitlin wanted to snap something back, but a shrill ringtone interrupted what would undoubtedly be a strong comeback. She picked up her phone and saw that her best friend, Cordelia was calling her.

“Probably wondering where we are,” Caitlin murmured and accepted the call.

As soon as she put the phone to her ear, Cordelia’s voice thundered through the speakers. “Oh my God, you guys!” Cordelia almost screamed. “Are you okay?” she asked, concern coloring her tone.

“Yes,” Caitlin elongated the e sound. “Why wouldn’t we be?” she frowned. “Did something happen?” Cordelia and her children were supposed to join them on the camping trip. Caitlin did sent a text when she and John were originally supposed to leave, but she didn’t get a confirmation from Cordelia.

“Yeah, haven’t you heard?” Cordelia asked. “There was a big landslide at the camping site,” she explained and a sliver of fear took a grip of Caitlin’s heart. “Couple of tents were buried, but luckily no one was there because of the rain.”

Caitlin took a deep breath. “I’ve never been happier that John’s been so paranoid about driving in the rain,” she laughed in relief. “Are we still on for Friday?” Caitlin asked.

Cordelia’s laugh came a bit mechanical over the phone. “I never miss it.”

After the friends said their goodbyes, Caitlin put down the phone and went to the kitchen to prepare some hot cocoa, fully intending on finding her husband and curling up by the fireplace.