Raining

Rumbling thunder cracked in the distance.  Wind howled in the streets and trees bent with its incredibly strong force.
In a lonely shack, an ancient, frail man sat in creaking chair.  His lengthy, faded beard fell across his chest and his breath came in shallow gasps.  A dim fire burned in the hearth, revealing the bent picture of a young woman.
Suddenly, rain began to pour down upon the leaky, wooden roof.  A single drop splattered onto the man’s creased face, but he didn’t bother to brush it off.
Another drop squeezed through the roof and landed silently upon the threadbare rug.  Soon, as the harsh storm continued, many more drops fell into the humble cottage.
The man slowly reached out with his bony arm.  His aching fingers grasped the photo of the beautiful, young woman.  He held the picture close to his barely moving chest.
The incessant storm picked up speed and strength.  The pale fire sizzled as sheets of rain cascaded in through the chimney.  Finally, it sputtered out and the damp room became gloomy, except for the occasional blaze of lightening.
The elderly man let out a feeble sigh.  His grasp on the yellowing photo loosened, and peacefully, he took his final, trembling breath.