For a week, life has been going non-stop. It's mid-terms, applications, interviews, deadlines, decisions and worst of all: It's been sunny. When the sun is out, nothing is accomplished. All we want is to bask in all its glory and forget the load of work we still have to do. After we have spent a day forgetting, we are forced to spend an entire night cramming. We try to relax through four cups of tea, comfortable chairs and our slow indie music playing in the background. Nothing seems to work and we simply must settle with the fact that we will not sleep as much as is healthy and our shoulders will be tense for a few days. Five days this goes on and by Saturday, it's all over.
I was hoping to be woken this morning by the sun's familiar brightness, but I wasn't. I instead flinched when my roommate's alarm went off and I thought in my mind that I had to get up and go to school today. Then I remember it's Saturday and I don't need to worry. Already, peace. I look out the window and the clouds are the regular Seattle palette of grey. I watch from my bunk as a few students slowly mosey away from the dorms, putting their hoods and hats on. Rain has returned to our campus and life has slowed down. Today, we will be able to stay inside and be still. But first things first: TO WORK! TO WORK! TO WORK!
I hop on my bicycle grudgingly head towards Fremont. The area is not bustling with people and excitement, just a few people standing under the cover of Peet's as they wait for their bus to arrive. I look through the big window of Starbucks and I see Chris Hanson gesture for me to come inside. I give him a hug and see the table in front of him piled with books...he's got a busy day ahead of him, too. Sometimes it seems like the busyness will never end, but a pause to see a friend is what helps us all get through. I must go on, though, the flower shop can't wait. I open the door and free Rani from her position behind the cash register. She smiles and explains to me that today is the slowest day in flower shop history. Oh well, I guess I'm not the only one who wishes she were home right now.
The flower shop was quiet, but it was nice to talk to the people who ventured out today. Most of them came in to be warm and dry for two minutes, but they are friendly and I enjoy the company. When they walk out the door, I turn into Cinderella: cleaning and singing along to the music. Time doesn't go by so slow, the rain is beautiful to watch as it falls against the shop windows. Before I know it, 6:00 hits and it's time to close up. I bring in the plants that sit outside and they get me all wet. A man helps me take down the hanging pots as he sees I'm too short. The soaking flowers splash all over my face, but I don't mind...the rain is lovely.
I lock the doors of the shop and grab a slice of hot pizza. I ride my bicycle along the canal on the way home, I'm in no hurry and I like to watch the rain fall into the water. After I park my bike, I walk up the stairs to Hill Hall that sometimes feel so long. I change into some dry clothes and find my place on the couch. The boys leave after a few minutes to go to a concert, but Anna, Megan and I chose to stay right where we were. It's warm and we can smell the rain through the open window. We are quiet, but sometimes words don't need to be said. We are in each other's company and that is enough for me. How I love these girls and how thankful I am that the rain has convinced us to stay in tonight. It's quiet and that is what we need. Thank you, Rain.
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