Dark and Stormy

I just had the most terrifying experience of my life.

I went upstairs for a glass of water, and as I open the basement door I notice that it's awfully LOUD up there. Louder than usual. Grandma's concentrator makes a lot of noise, to be sure, but this was bizarre- and then all of a sudden the back door slams open in my face as rainy gusts of wind and wet leaves screech inside and the bells on the door dance and clang. And the front door blows open, and the lightning flashes, and Grandma's oxygen concentrator breathes in and out like it always does. And my heart races. Fast.

Frantic, I search for Grandma, who is in bed (mere yards from where these doors are slamming open and closed) blissfully ignorant, and wide awake. Since my heart can't race faster, it races harder. I collect the leaves and soak up the rain. I spend some time reassuring Grandma, who needs it less than I do, and I go back to my basement where I can finally collect myself.

I feel as blown away as those sopping leaves on our floor.