A Cloud’s Dream

What is a cloud? Do you think of the drifting clump of evaporated water? We’re nothing like that. In actual fact a cloud is in a way, like a man. We eat, drink, even think like humans. My name is Clim. I’m quite an ordinary cloud, I don’t often cry, or get angry and send streaking paths of lightning down to earth, like reaching hands. Nor do I blush or sparkle in the sunset. Like I said, I’m ordinary. But I do have a very important role in life - to recycle water. I suck it up from the sea and carry it over the mountains. I let it rain on the land so plants can grow, and I fill the reservoirs with my finest drops, for you to drink and bathe in. It’s my job and I work hard at it. That was my life, and then it all changed when I met Mabel.

She was a young cloud, maybe a whole year younger than me, but she definitely did not act like it. She was the boss and I her servant, there to fulfil her every need. But I didn’t mind, I loved her; from the minute I set eyes on her. I remembered the night she came. It was a cold Christmas Eve, and a fierce storm was brewing. She peacefully drifted towards me, engulfed in pure white frost, which danced in the moonlight in sync with her elegant body, twirling gracefully in the high winds. I was blown away and from then on we were always together, gliding happily high up in the stratosphere.

Then one day, when we were floating over the sea, watching the sun set along the horizon she said

“Clim, I need to tell you something.”

“What?”

Silence.

“Tell me, Mabel!” I said, and she:

“I’m leaving. I’m sorry… Clim?”

What? Why? I couldn’t believe it.

“Clim? Clim! Please…can we talk about this…we’re friends, please don’t be angry…I-”started Mabel.

I began to drift away.

“Please, Clim. I am sorry but I have to follow my dream,” whispered Mabel, floating over.

I stopped; I was turning grey in my silent fury. ”Give me one reason why I should listen to you, you’re always telling me what to do, I never get a say.”

“Because…Because I love you…” declared Mabel

I turned to face her. Why was life so difficult?

“Tell me then. What is this dream?”

“My dream has always been to explore,”

I began to turn a rosy red “Me too”

“And in some far off land, there are places called deserts – dry lands, almost without life. I want to rain on those deserts, and make them beautiful. You could help me?”

I knew I would miss my friends, but mind was made up.

“Mabel.” I said “ I would follow you anywhere!”

And together we floated into the evening sun.