As the hours passed, the raging storm finally began to quiet. The heavy rains softened into a gentle drizzle, and the angry roars of thunder faded into the distance. Lightning no longer flashed across the sky, and the darkened clouds slowly drifted away, leaving the early morning air cool and damp.
Mrs. Callaghan stirred awake as her body was already accustomed to the dawn despite the restless night. She sat up, rubbing her eyes, and glanced toward the window. A faint glow of sunlight peeked through the curtains, casting a soft warmth against the storm-battered town.
She shuffled to the window with her old slippers scuffing against the wooden floor, and peered outside. The streets were still wet, small puddles dotting the paths, and leaves scattered across the yards from the storm's wrat
