Heaven

Suddenly it began to rain. At first it was just drops on their faces as they continued to talk. The smell of the air changed. It was the smell of rain; the heavy smell of humidity and then the water began to fall in heavy sheets, strong enough to bend the branches of the trees. They moved quickly off the blanket, Sam took the corners and lifted the whole blanket with what was left of the food; Elli picked up the wine bottle and they both ran to a large Banyan Tree. “What about the horses?” Sam yelled over the sound of the pouring rain. “They’are fine”, she yelled back, “they like the rain.” “I do too”, Sam said. He moved out from under the tree and felt the cool rain drench his clothes and body. It was exhilarating. Elli joined him, “you're crazy” she yelled, but she stayed with him getting soaked as well. The horses moved under another tree and finally Sam and Elli went over to them and stood watching the storm, mesmerized by the splendor and awe of nature. Sam was aware of this moment and wished it would never end. For a moment he stood frozen in time. Then, just as quickly as it started the rain stopped. “I think I love it here so much because of the rain.” Elli said. They were silent for a few moments, then she said, “Sam, let's pack the horses and ride up the mountain. There is something I want to show you.” They walked the horses back to the Banyan Tree and gathered up the blanket and towels, packed the food and loaded everything on to the saddles. When they mounted the horses, they sat on the wet saddles. It didn’t really matter because their clothes were wet anyway. There was a trail that led up above the waterfall; Elli led the way on Bella and Sam and Joe followed. The trail wound around and up for a couple of miles following a river that flowed down toward the falls. They approached the top of the mountain just as the sun was sinking on the horizon. In the twilight they could see the ocean reflecting the glow of the sunset. The landscape of sugarcane fields stretched toward the great orange body of water. They watched for awhile as the sun disappeared into the water, the shadows of colors turning the gray black clouds orange and red. It was another beautiful sunset; Sam's third since he arrived here. “God's artwork”, Elli said. They sat on their horses staring at the vast panorama before them. It would be getting dark soon. “Can we navigate the horses back down in the dark?” Sam asked. “Probably, but I have a better idea. Follow me.” Elli turned her horse away from the view and moved along the crest of the hill. Sam followed her as she rode down the other side to a flat field which was a clearing from the vegetation. Once she pulled Bella on to the field she yelled “come on before it rains again.” She nudged Bella with her knees, and they began to fly away. Sam yelled to Joe “let's go boy” and they followed behind. The air smelled of wet grass as it flowed past his face. In the distance there were flashes of lightning that lit the eastern horizon. As he raced to keep up with Elli, he felt the exhilaration run like electric currents through his body. Elli was about forty yards ahead of him and he could not close the gap. It didn't matter to Sam; he loved watching her as his senses soared from the sound of his horse, the humid electric air in his face and the lightning flashing ahead.