overthinking in the rain

   The day was gray and rainy. Mel trudged along the sidewalk around the school building, looking back up at the sky.

   It was peaceful. Mel loved the rain; the calming noise they could hold onto to escape their other thoughts.

   They studied the clouds, mesmerized by the variety of shapes and subtle changes in color. It was without a doubt their favorite weather, especially since not a lot of other students liked standing outside in it. Peace and quiet, without many faces around to stare. It was perfect.

   They were waiting outside after class was dismissed- waiting for their parents to pick them up. It was a daily occurrence, and usually a friend of theirs chose to wait with them, since the friend could bike home whenever they pleased.

   But not today- their grandma came to pick them up, and Mel was left alone.

   It was actually pretty nice, in its own way. Mel still had strong anxiety, even around close friends, so it felt a little freeing for this to happen.

  They felt bad for having this train of thought, though. Friends are meant to be around, right? To spend time with, to be comfortable with?

  They haven't quite learned all the aspects of friendship, so they were constantly worrying about what they were doing wrong.

   Oh right. The rain.

   That was the entire reason they started wandering around outside their usual spot.

   Focus on the rain. Take a break for once, you need it. You can overthink later.

   And so they did, allowing themself to enjoy the calming weather and slowly letting go of their worries once more.