"PICK A WORD, PAINT A STORY #05" Contest. {30TH DECEMBER, 2024}

Happy Yuletide celebration to the wonderful Steemians of @Hindwhale community. I am so excited to participate in this "Pick a Word, Paint a Story #05" contest. I've picked one of the words "RAIN" here is a craft story based on it.

The rain started softly, as if the heavens were testing their paintbrush, blending the clouds into shades of grey. Tessy stood by the window, her face pressed against the cold glass, while watching the droplets streak down like tiny rivers racing each other to nowhere. For years, rain had been her constant companion as well as a soundtrack to her deepest thoughts and fondest memories.

The image of Tessy by the window, lost in her thoughts as the rain streaks down the glass

Her grandmother used to say that rain was the sky's way of shedding tears for humanity, cleansing the world of its burdens. But tonight, Tessy wasn’t sure she believed in cleansing anymore. She felt burdened beyond repair then, trapped in a loop of broken dreams and lingering regrets.

Outside, the once dry street now reflected the shimmering light of light poles, their golden halos casting an celestial glow. A musician played under the awning of a closed shop, his violin defying the storm's chaos with a melody that tugged at her chest. Tessy had seen him before, but she'd never stopped to listen. Something about his music tonight felt different, as if it was meant for her alone.

A imagine of the violinist.

Drawn by the unforgettably beautiful tune, she put on her coat and stepped out into the rain. Each step felt heavy yet liberating, as if as though she were discarding the weights of her fears and sorrows. The violinist barely glanced at her as she approached, his focus was on his violin and the rhythm of the storm. She stood there, letting the rain socked her completely, while the music wove itself into her soul.

"Beautiful, isn’t it?" a gentle voice said, pulling her from her trance. Startled, Tessy turned to see an elderly woman standing beside her, clutching a small umbrella. Music like this the woman continued; "reminds us that even in the rain, there’s beauty to be found". She then, offered a soft smile, her eyes filled with wisdom, she then turned away leaving Tessy speechless and thoughtful in the rain-soaked melody.

Imagine of the violinist, Tessy and an elderly woman

As the violinist played his final note, Tessy felt something stir within her an ember of hope she thought had long been extinguished. The rain didn’t seem so heavy anymore, and the night didn’t feel as dark. However, her grandmother's words echoed in her mind: the rain could cleanse, but only if she allowed it. Standing there, drenched but no longer weighed down, Tessy let the music and rain wash away her doubts, leaving her ready to embrace the renewal she hadn’t known she needed.

Imagine of Tessy going back home.

Tessy returned home, with a newfound lightness in her heart and a clearer mind. The rain continued to fall its rhythmic patter like a soothing symphony whispering a reminder that every storm, no matter how fierce, eventually gives way to calm.

Screenshoot from Redmi A3

I call on my friends to share in this reading
@etette
@nsisong2022
@chant