After the Rain
Summary A storm reflects Blair's turmoil after the Cypher incident.
Disclaimer This story was written for enjoyment purposes only. The Sentinel is property of Paramount and Pet Fly Productions.
A/N: Originally posted under the name Jen G to the Cascade Library but removed a few years ago. I'm blowing off the dust and reposting stories here after updates and revisions.
oOo
He could see the small flash of light filtered through the heavy clouds that had accumulated across the predawn sky. One, two, three, four, five, six…The low rumble of thunder off in the distance broke the suffocating silence that filled the darkened hotel room. An approaching morning storm had always been one of his most favorite things, but now it reflected the turmoil running rampant through his brain as he desperately tried to process the terrifying events of the past 24 hours.
Tossing his pillow to the foot of his rumpled bed, he turned and watched for the coming flash. A jagged slice of raw lightning didn't disappoint, illuminating the rolling thunderclouds. One, two, three, four, five... Again, another rumble broke the silence, but this time it was louder…closer. 'I can be you' it echoed.
Unable to stay still any longer, he rose quietly to his feet, walked to the window and stood beside the pulled back curtain, cautiously peering around it into the street lit night. A brilliant burst followed to light up the heavens, strong enough to illuminate the surrounding rooftops. One, two, three… Ka-Boom. 'I can be you,' the wind howled angrily!
Mesmerized by the power that was about to break loose, his eyes never left the demanding force of nature outside as his fingers slipped the latch on the sliding glass door to the balcony and pulled it partly open. A thick gust of heavy air brushed against his face and he found himself stepping back into the security of the room. When had he become afraid of a storm?
Small drops of rain blew against his face but rapidly turned into a biting sting that slapped his cheeks. FLASH! KA-BOOM! White bands of electricity greedily stretched across the sky, searching. 'I can be you!'
Quickly, he slid the door shut to block out the deluge of rain that burst in sheets across the window making visibility impossible. The storm raged angrily, denied the soul safely protected on the opposite side of the glass. 'I CAN BE YOU!' it exploded loudly as it searched in vain for its victim.
Time felt as though it had come to a standstill. His palms pressed against the pane, he could feel the gradual weakening of the downpour. Another flash, not as brilliant as before, lit the darkness. One, two, three, four… ka-boom, then reluctantly died.
Could it be that easy? Hesitantly, he slid the door back open a crack to feel a warm breeze caress his face. The filth that had been in the air was now washed away, leaving a new day to break in splendor across the eastern sky. Bands of gold, pink, and orange spread fire across the horizon, chasing the storm back into oblivion.
No longer filled with fear he stepped out onto the balcony and automatically turned his face to the new sun. His mother had taught him when he was very little about the importance of letting go of the painful moments and reaching for the inner peace found in a new day filled with fresh promise.
He had survived…again. However, this time he knew he was not alone. The still figure that had stood beside him throughout the squall placed a comforting arm across his shoulders. Later they would return to the loft and repair the damage to their home, but for now, without any spoken word, they stood side by side watching the shadows chased away by the soft morning light.
