Lightning strikes and for a moment the whole street lights up as if thousands of flashes have gone off in perfect synch. It took everyone by surprise and you could see it on everyone’s faces; they all had the same look: same terrified expression. It was a mix of surprise, fear and a hefty dose of adrenaline kicking in; all at the same time. One moment later a thunder so loud, so prolonged, so deep, makes everyone freeze for a moment. At unison, our hearts skipped a beat, cars alarms started going off, and just as we were picking ourselves up and putting ourselves together from this wave of feelings that we were experiencing, just as our hearts slowed down enough to think clearly once again, the sky opens up and it starts pouring like nothing I have ever seen before. People start running everywhere, in a desperate search of shelter, trying to avoid the rain like nothing worst could ever happen to them. I stop right then and there, in the middle of the now empty sidewalk, trying to pack up my camera as quickly as possible and that is when I saw it.
Only meters away from me, in the middle of the same sidewalk; he took his shirt off and quickly packed it carefully, as fast as he could, into his shopping cart. He looked at the sky, closed his eyes, spread his arms and the biggest smile appeared on his face. Not only was he not bothered by the rain, but he was loving it, enjoying and appreciating every single drop like he’s never experienced rain before. He reaches into his trousers’ pocket and takes out a small bottle of shampoo. He applies it and the look of satisfaction on his face is overwhelming. While the heavy rain is washing it off, he spots me just standing there, looking at him and yells out: “It’s like God knew I needed a show”… and at that moment, his happiness, gratefulness and satisfaction were unmistakable.
There I was, in the middle of the sidewalk, thinking about how many times I’ve said I love rain, but ran for shelter after the first drop of water touched my skin…. how many moments like this I might have missed because of it… and about every single other thing I’ve been taking for granted when for others, all it takes to make them truly happy is a heavy rain so they can finally take a shower…