We were under a tornado watch most of the afternoon.

The sky was dark. The wind picked up and settled down and picked up again. The rain fell and fell and fell some more.

And the people, who want so badly to get out, were happy to stay inside. They were happy to listen to Mother Nature when she ushered them in. They were happy to close the door firmly and lock it behind them. They were happy to obey her stern warning and busy themselves with household tasks, pausing to listen to the wind while closing the shutters tight.

And the people who want so badly to get out, were happy to have a place to be. Safe and warm and dry. They realized that having an “inside” to go to and curl up in, to fret and worry about was a luxury most of them had been taking for granted. Complaining about. Rebelling against. Trying to escape from.

And the people who want so badly to get out recognized the approaching storm. Sought refuge inside. Lowered their obstinate voices and sheltered, gratefully, in place.