And the clouds opened up...

Today the rain finally came. Hesitantly at first, the first few drops sizzling on scorching hot sidewalk and bare brown shoulders. The air stirred and grumbled (the thunder purred and rumbled), and as sweat mingled with rain the city breathed a collective sigh of relief. A storm had broken over St. Petersburg, or rather the storm had broken the still and sweltering heat built up over days of sun. The streets were like a greenhouse; even in the shadows one couldn't shake the panicked feeling that we were all baking in an oven. The rain has cleared the atmosphere and my mind feels sharper, clear, not cottony, delirious and slow under that oppressive heat. I'm going to sleep well tonight.