Shelter in the Grate

Water slammed down out of nowhere—cold, heavy drops striking the pavement like flying stones! I scrambled blindly away from the roaring gutter, heart pounding in my throat, dodging giant splashing heels until I spotted the rusted iron grate. Dropping down between the bars, I landed hard on a damp mound of sodden autumn leaves inside the window well. Cold rain hammered the metal grid right above my skull, but down here beneath the concrete sill, the wind couldn't grab me. Tucked against the grimy glass, I clutched a tiny piece of weathered red yarn caught on the wire, catching my breath while the whole street thundered overhead!