The storm was in full swing.

It seemed as if the rainstorm were a chain, linking heaven and earth in a wet embrace.

Off in the distance, the dark sky was pierced by a bright white light, like a fearsome tear had appeared in the heavens.

The roof of Mark's car had given in to the storm's fury.

Rain was invading the interior like an uninvited guest.

Despite it being summer, the night's rain sent chills across his skin, making him shiver uncontrollably.

After what seemed an eternity but was only half an hour, Mark spotted the welcoming lights of a 24-hour pharmacy.

He brought the car to a stop.

Dashing into the pharmacy, Mark noticed the sales clerk was in the midst of a yawn, her attention divided between him and the auditory assault of the rain. She couldn't help but notice the man before her, drenched to the bone and ghostly pale.

Jumping to her feet, she inquired, "Oh my, sir, with the rain coming down like cats and dogs, what brings you out? What medicine do you need?"

Between gasps, Mark rattled off his list.

"Medicine for kids.

Something for inflammation, pills for fever, and those fever-reducing patches."

To the clerk, it seemed Mark wasn't short on cash.

She selected the finest options available, packing them into several bags with care.

Mark paid for a charger, powered up his phone, and was greeted by several missed calls from Cecilia.

He returned her call, his words brief and to the point.

"I'm on my way," he assured her.

With that, he ended the call and braved the storm once more.

The rain was relentless.