This is How it Happened Today

A flash, a flicker, and then thunder. The skies look like they’re gonna burst. I take a walk downstairs with my boss to accept a gift donation at the circ desk and on our way back, the lights go out. A few seconds later the emergency lighting comes on, helping us find the stairs. On the second floor, we all gather near the north-facing windows and chat, looking out at the sky, nothing to do without our computers. I read some John McPhee that I found in the book sale. The rains finally descend, fast and furious. After a while an announcement comes over the PA telling us that the library will close early due to the power failure. (I don't know how they make the PA work without power.) We dribble down to the lobby and judge the skies before some make a dash for their cars. Those of us who have to walk a ways hang back, chat some more, and stare at the strange sunshine that is now beating down along with the rain. I remove my shoes, put up my flowered umbrella and walk out across the plaza and into the puddles. The rains had fallen so suddenly and so heavily that the drains in their depressions across the concourse had backed up and made a series of shallow pools. I walk through as many as I can on my way to the south end of campus. The warm water feels so good on my tired feet. I continue all the way to my car, three blocks past campus, barefoot in the sun and rain. A man getting out of his car along Downer Avenue looks up at me and says, “You are just like a little girl walking home through the puddles.” I smile and laugh. Yes, I am.