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Growing tired, heavy eyelids and sluggish thoughts. I wanted nothing more than to curl up under some blankets and drift off. Rain was beginning to fall, making such a rhythmic beat on the patio. Open windows and open doors to let the scents of a wet world waft in on those cold breezes. It was such a calm time. Birds had taken shelter in their nests. Squirrels were nowhere to be seen.
The garden could do with a walkabout, and so around once, twice, and three times in total. Hanging ornaments down, tarps over the delicate, and the gate locked. Porch cushions brought in and stored. All the while, the wind ruffled my clothing, its touch forcing me to squint. The far off rumble signaling how close that wild hunt was.
Over the threshold just as the sky bestowed its full bounty. The burst of wind rattled its way down the hallway, lifting a few of the décor for a few moments. One by one, windows and doors closed. Drapes drawn to give life to the creeping darkness, shudders latched as shields against the growing winds and beating rain.
The sky was quickly growing dark, the brunt of the storm rolling over the house. And came that first flash that casted long shadows across the house. Lightning followed by thunder, reverberations clashing outside and rattling the windows. My hand found my heart as I stood quiet in that darkness, feeling the tempoed beat of my own heart and comparing it to the clattering drumming of water upon slats outside. Even through that rain came the sound of bending trees and rustling bushes.
From that darkness around me came those familiar arms. Pulling me back into a warmth that resonated against the current chill. Strong hands against my cool skin, caressing away the goosebumps and sending shivers down my spine. Leaning back into him, I felt that hot breath against my neck, that sigh he saved only for me.
The thunder clapped and shook the house to its foundations, we stood wrapped with one another and felt it resonate in our bones. A crescendo of stamping giants, a cacophony of riders on the rooftop. Temples pressed together, eyes closed, breathing in the same air, we stayed safe and dry within our walls while that storm raged outside.
“And so the sky sings its perfected song,” Hannibal whispers to me, the rumble in his chest joining the rumble of the sky. “All the while two lovers learn its ballad.”
“Let this be our lullaby, my love,” I whisper back, smiling at the hum of agreement. A step away brought back that cold that was once again shielded, a blanket taking Hannibal’s place against my back and arms.
Together we walked up those stairs, stopping each time we felt our body vibrate with the house as the thunder exploded above us. Step by step, the sound of our feet silenced by the sound of the raging water against our roof.
Together, dry in our shelter. Wrapped together under warm blankets, our breaths shared in such proximity, foreheads together as we spoke without words.
Together we listened to that sky full of songs.