Rainy Day and Monday (aka July Fourth)

Picture it:

Decatur

2011

Three young(ish) women gather in Decatur for pizza, cookies, and Coke Zero. As dark approaches, they set out for the half-mile walk to the Decatur square to enjoy the fireworks. They're loaded down with lawn chairs and umbrellas -- just in case. A few sprinkles fall, but nothing can stop Fourth of July fireworks. Before they reach their destination, the stretch of grass in front of the McDonald's parking lot, the sprinkles are a little heavier. But a couple dozen people are gathered, so they set up their chairs while huddling under umbrellas.

They wait.

They watch.

They laugh.

And they get wetter and wetter.

They sky gets darker but no fireworks appear. Thunder rumbles. Lightning flashes. And the women finally give up the dream.

They attempt to stay under their umbrellas while collapsing their chairs but water seeps down collars and inside shoes. Then they trudge back to the condo, thankful that the passing cars don't splash them like a scene out of a bad comedy.

Back at the condo, they go their separate ways . . . wet, fireworks-less, but still laughing.