Drip, Drop, Don't Stop!

Drip, drop! A couple of raindrops sprinkle down from the grey clouds. She spreads her arms wide and looks up at the sky. The little drops tickle her cheeks. All around her, the bushes and grass sparkle with fresh rain.

Water tumbles off the roof and splashes into a big bucket below. She watches from the doorway as it fills up, drop by drop. They will pour the water into a bottle to save for later. If they boil it, they can drink it too.

Here is a riddle: what makes Mum close her eyes and smile? Rain on the roof! She settles down with her sitar and begins to play. Her gentle tune mixes with the patter of rain outside, and the song fills every corner of the room.

On the way home, she clutched her book and ran through the drizzle. Then she stopped in the middle of the path, where a peacock stood with its tail fanned out wide. 'Shouldn't you huddle under something?' she asked, but the peacock didn't budge. She gave a little clap, chuckled, and ran the rest of the way home.

After a good wash and dry clothes, she finds her little brother in the hall. They both follow their noses to the kitchen, where a yummy smell is the signal that dinner is ready. Mum stands at the stove, stirring a big bowl with a spoon. Even the cat settles close by for a perfect, cosy meal.

The rain has stopped at last. She steps outside to see the final drops that cling to every leaf and petal. She reaches out to touch a big, shiny leaf. Each little drop looks like a crystal bead. It is as if the whole world has had a long, cool drink.

She loves this tree best. Pink petals sparkle on its branches in the soft light. It grows so much during the rainy season. The rain keeps its roots stable and strong for when the dry months come. She reaches out to touch its trunk and smiles. Drip, drop. What a gift the rain can be!