iced tea plunge

i was hurrying from office to get to school on time. i had a 6pm class and i wouldn't want to be late. a short torrential rain just stopped as i was leaving the office and the pavement i stepped on, the leaves of the trees in the vicinity, the cars passing by, all of them were wet with the just-stopped rain. the air smelled fresher (if it's even possible in a city like this) and the sun was just showing its late afternoon rays.

i had to walk the entire stretch of the road cum parking lot to avoid the puddles on the sidewalk. as i approached the gate of the parking lot, i saw a boy probably of 7 years swimming in the pool of cold rainwater formed at the indentation on the ground between the road cum parking lot and the sidewalk lined with plant boxes. he was having the time of his life the way i saw it. he'd dive into the deeper portion of the pool then stand and dive again. then he'd stand and allow his small frame a free fall back first to the cold water exactly like the advertisement of iced tea as seen on tv.

i couldn't help but grin at the apparent fun the kid was having. had i not been this age and wearing the usual corporate attire that i had to wear to school, i'd probably not be thinking twice and joined him. i couldn't even think of the possibly dirty water he was swimming in. it was clear enough. and as he threw himself back first into the water i smiled again.

he reminded me of the carefree child in me that i shouldn't be stifling. he reminded me of the many times i myself threw caution to the wind and dove back first on the water feeling like falling on soft bed. he reminded me that there is always the rain after a long drought. that no matter how dismal life seems, there are many little things that we should be thankful about. like the refreshing afternoon rain. like the kid who knew how to have fun. class ought to be more fun after this sight. hopefully.