The thunder is deafening. The sky is draped in grey clouds and the rain falls steadily. The children have abandoned their play (what a pity, when they should be getting drenched instead- this isn't exam time!), and a steady breeze sets the curtains aflutter.

Alone at home, sitting on a mattress on the floor, I watch the drops form a chain on the yellow sunshade. They glide across it one after another, merging, embracing, disappearing.

The Rain Goddess revels.