Storm

The wind whips her hair
sends his tie over his shoulder
as they struggle to breathe,
pushing on through the hot mucky air.

The first drops of rain
trickle down their necks
and they hurry their pace,
searching for shelter.

Skies groan
clouds crackle.
A drizzle becomes a downpour,
day turns to dusk.

Huddling in a doorway
they watch
the sheet of rain
draw itself in around them.

He dares and she accepts.
Bursting out of their shelter
drenched to the bone,
running without a care.

Wet keys
from wet pockets
fumble with the wet lock,
till they tumble inside.

A puddle collects on the carpet
as they double over,
laughing
and gasping for breath.

A strike lights up the room
reflected in their eyes,
sobering them up
and changing the mood.

He takes her hand
leads her to the bathroom,
sits her on the side of the bath
and reaches for a towel.
Kneeling in front of her
he dries her rainy tears,
smoothes down her hair,
her arms, her feet.

The next strike knocks out the power
but he knows her too well
to need to see.
Stroking her still damp cheeks

he watches the smile
dance around her lips.
Sees the song in her eyes
and tastes the storm on her breath.