Overhead, dark brooding clouds loomed on the far horizon, splitting the sky in an odd canvas of charcoal and fire. The stormy winds picked up loose rubbish and dust. The older round face sulked out the window.
“You said I could go to the movies with my friends!” she said.
“That was last week before you were grounded.”
“Why should they go and not me?” the round face pouted, looking as the lightning split the sky.
“Because your friends probably passed their exams when you didn’t!” said mom.
Tears shed as the round face looked to the heavens. She closed her eyes tightly, took a breath then walked away.

The lightning flashed and struck the gargantuan grid of steel and copper, as the wind blew the rain in a side-wash. The little town went dark as the last remaining sliver of sunlight was swallowed by menacing skies. Four girls standing at the movie theater cried out as power-lines fell to the ground. The pain had lasted only a second.

The lights went out.The girl with the round face thanked the stars.