at the beginning of summer, i went to an outdoor art festival downtown. it was a splendid june day, and the sky was flawlessly blue. several blocks had been closed to traffic so that the crowds could freely wander between shops and the artists' displays. middle-aged couples looked to buy, and young free-spirits browsed for inspiration. a soft breeze blew through the streets, and one could not help but be glad.

around mid-afternon, the breeze grew into a fierce wind, and the pure sky began to be covered by dismal clouds. vendors frantically moved their pretty wares into shelter, and their customers hurried indoors or to cars. within half an hour rain came in torrents, and the perfect, lackadaisical summer day was swept aside by the cold and violent storm.

i shivered under a glassblower's tent and watched the deluge. the streets were totally empty now; pallid faces peeked from under each canopy lining the street, each expressing the same desire to go to their homes and be cheered and warmed.

suddenly, through the roar of the the downpour, elated laughter rang out. and down the road (which was now a wild stream) came a young couple, hand in hand, and riant as they ran. they were oblivious to the fact that they were soaked and that the rain fell hard on their faces - they saw nothing but each other, and the fact that they were together was a beautiful euphoria.

everyone watching smiled and sighed, and the storm didn't feel so rough anymore.

and i promised myself that i would never settle for something less than that.