The heavy rain thundered against the aluminum awning like a stampede of elephants, making the storm sound worse than it actually was.
I leaned out from under the safe haven to see whether it would let up soon, wanting to hurry home and change into warmer clothes.
One downfall about becoming mortal was losing the ability to predict and manipulate the weather.
But, at least I can safely say this rain wasn't caused by my misfortune.
A little whimper came from inside my jacket, and I immediately lifted my collar and peeked inside.
"Don't fret, little one. We'll be home soon."
My five-month-old daughter gazed up at me with her mother's big brown eyes and giggled, her tiny hands pulling at my long hair.
I took her with me for a quick shopping trip and ended up getting caught in a storm.
And since I didn't anticipate the sudden weather change, I had no choice but to place my little girl in my jacket for warmth.
"Mommy would be furious if I let you catch a cold, Miyako. You don't want her to scold Daddy, right?"
Little Mikayo just laughed again and pulled harder on my hair.
"Ack! Quite a grip you got there, little one," I winced, gently prying her tiny hands off my hair. "Strong like your mommy! Soon, you won't need me to protect you anymore."
With a gentle smile, I stroked her rosy cheeks and placed a kiss on her brow.
"But know that I always will. You and your mom are the two most important people to me."
"The same goes for me." A familiar voice spoke up. "Except about you and Miyako."
"Yui!" I gasped, spotting my wife with a huge umbrella in hand. "What are you doing here?!"
I immediately pulled her under the awning, my eyes locked onto her three-month old baby bump.
"You should be at home resting! And now both of you are stuck in the rain when you should be at home, safe and warm. I knew my misfortu-."
Yui silenced my ramblings with a kiss, cupping my face in her hands.
"You worry too much, Hades. The doctor says I'm fine, and a little rain never hurt anyone." Yui sighed, a smile gracing her lips as she ran her fingers through Miyako's tuffs of green hair. "I got worried when I saw the rain, so I came to look for you two. Now that all four of us are together, let's go home. I have daifuku and hot cocoa ready for our arrival."
My heart melted at my wife's words.
Even after all these years, her benevolence still amazes me.
"Yes, let's go home." I whispered, wrapping an arm around her waist as Yui held the umbrella over us, and we walked into the pouring rain.
Now, under the large umbrella with the most important people in the world to me, the harsh rain became nothing but a far off memory.