THE PAVEMENT was wet in blotches at first. People going out needed to round up the umbrellas, and were wise do have done it, as the rain advanced to splatting and gurgling. Indoors felt dim, close, and unwholesome. The cat forced her head and shoulders into the open freezer door, as if seeking better air, and had to be pried out before it could be closed. The rain tapered off but sheets of standing water on the basketball court reflected the school building. The train was as stifling as a giant face mask. Green lichen was spreading on the rock face on the edge of the Park. The sun came out on its way down the sky; the clouds broke apart into pink and gold and gray puffs; and the breezes roused themselves and pushed in through the window.
