Noir Rain

Every day gets painted into our memories of life. I like to look back once in a while and color things over with a little touch of noir black and white.

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My regular day:

?The day unfolded with an air of trepidation. I approached this date on the calendar with some reluctance and much resolve. I had a late night and knew a long day awaited me. Dawn’s early light broke through the clouds as I enjoyed a much-needed cup of coffee before beginning the day.

?My granddaughter needed a ride to a neighboring city and I was happy to help, despite the inclement weather forecast. As we gathered her belongings, the sky seemed to mirror my own mixed emotions, shining brightly despite being surrounded by dark clouds.

?We embarked on our journey and the growing brightness of the day gave me hope. The roads were busy and we enjoyed music as the morning mayhem continued. The initial tussle with traffic soon gave way to open lanes as the city limits faded behind us. The highway stretched before us and we were off, chasing the horizon. Small towns appeared like islands in a sea of asphalt, requiring us to slow down to a mere 15mph. Once we cleared the last road at the outskirts of town, we quickly advanced to the posted 85mph. (zoom!)

?Arriving at our destination, I bid my granddaughter a fond farewell before searching for the nearest gas station to fill up before my return trip. I thought about stopping for breakfast as I pulled into Buc-ee’s and topped off the tank. The dark clouds closing in made up my mind and minutes later, had me facing the storm head-on.

?The roads curved and twisted as I approached the highway and watched a wall of rain approach. The rain hit the car like a barrage of tiny pebbles. My focus on the road ahead became a challenge as the wipers sped from side to side, barely maintaining visibility.

?The road was more of a faint outline as I gripped the wheel and fought the constant push of the wind that shifted from side to side. Sideways rain was an odd sight to see when the gusts became especially intense and I did my best to maintain forward momentum, knowing stopping was not an option.

?Finally, a half hour into the tempest, the rain subsided and I caught a glimpse of sunlight. The rain didn’t completely stop but after a few miles, it slowed to more manageable levels. At the last leg of the trip, the raindrops slowed enough that I could hear the car’s engine humming its familiar tune and I knew the worst was over.

?Once home, I had a much-needed breakfast and enjoyed a second cup of coffee before taking inventory of my exhaustion and opting for a restful nap. No matter what storms life throws our way, life will always be an adventure.

Onwards! +

?My Noir Day:

?The day crept in like a shadow, heavy with a sense of foreboding. I approached this fateful date on the calendar with a mix of wariness and steely determination. The night had stretched long, and I braced myself for the battles ahead. As the crack of dawn pierced through the murky skies, I savored a bitter cup of java, a balm for my weary soul.

?My granddaughter required passage to a distant town, and despite the impending storm, I stood ready to be her chauffeur. Packing her belongings, the heavens mirrored my own conflicted heart, casting rays of light amid gathering gloom.

?We embarked on our odyssey, the day’s light kindling hope within me. The roads hummed with activity, and amidst the morning chaos, we found solace in music’s embrace. The initial skirmishes with traffic yielded to open lanes as we left the city’s clutches behind. The asphalt river stretched before us, a ribbon leading us onward. Small towns emerged like islets, punctuating our asphalt sea, demanding we slow our pace to a mere crawl. Only upon breaching the final border did we unleash the car’s power to its maximum, hurtling us ahead like a bullet.

?At journey’s end, I bid my granddaughter adieu before setting course for the nearest gas pump, preparing for the return. Thoughts of breakfast tugged at my mind as I pulled into Buc-ee’s to refuel both machine and man. The encroaching tempest solidified my choice, and moments later, I confronted the storm’s fury headfirst.

?The road twisted and coiled as I merged onto the highway, a torrent of rain looming like an approaching adversary. The rain fell with the force of a barrage, pelting my car like shards of shrapnel. My focus on the path before me morphed into a perilous dance as the wipers waged their frantic battle, scarcely granting me a glimpse of the path.

?The road turned nebulous, a mere wisp beneath my unyielding grip. The steering became a wrestling match, a struggle against the whims of a capricious wind. Sideways rain painted a peculiar picture, a sight to behold as gusts battered me from every side. I clung to the wheel, pressing on despite the tempest’s fury, certain halting was not an option.

?Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the rain’s assault began to wane and a glimmer of sunlight kissed the horizon. The rain’s drumbeat persisted, yet its intensity relented, granting me some semblance of control. In the last leg of this trial, raindrops played a softer rhythm, allowing the car’s purr to break through, a soothing reassurance that the worst was past.

?Returning home, I indulged in a well-deserved breakfast and a second cup of coffee, an elixir against my fatigue. Surveying the battle scars of my journey, I opted for a moment’s respite, embracing the solace of slumber. Life’s tempests may assail us, but remember, my friend, life itself remains our grandest odyssey.

?Onwards! +