Lemonade Stand in the Rain

Lemonade Stand in the Rain

So… 

It rained. 

Not a dramatic downpour. 

Just enough 

to soak the cardboard sign 

and blur the marker 

right through the word Forever. 

I had set up my little stand 

on our special corner, 

pitcher glistening in the sun, 

cups lined up like promises. 

Freshly squeezed. 

Extra sweet. 

Two straws. 

And then the clouds 

decided they had other plans. 

There was no lightning strike. 

No evil villain plotting this downpour. 

Just weather doing what weather does, 

showing up uninvited 

and staying longer than anyone hoped. 

Now I’m standing here 

with damp boots 

and diluted lemonade, 

watching the sugar settle stubbornly 

at the bottom. 

I’m not okay! 

Let’s not exaggerate. 

I keep glancing down the street 

like maybe you’ll drive back, 

asking if we can do this all over again 

with an umbrella this time. 

But the forecast is the forecast. 

And you’re somewhere 

learning how to build better shelter. 

So here’s what I’ll do: 

I’ll wring out the sign. 

I’ll redraw the letters. 

Maybe not Forever this time… 

Maybe just Today. 

I’ll taste the lemonade 

even if it’s a little watered down. 

I’ll add more sugar if I have to. 

Because the thing about me 

is that I like making things sweet. 

I like setting up stands. 

I like believing the sun will show up 

eventually. 

And maybe tomorrow 

I’ll be ready 

with my pitcher in hand!