A Lisbon Summer Storm at Sunset

It is the middle of June. We lazily hop off the train and stroll hand in hand through the station. As we move through the exit doors, the warm summer wind taps at our faces, flushed from saltwater and sunshine. My tangled hair is wavy after a late afternoon swim.

Our walk is peppered with the sprightly noise of locals and tourists alike. The night is young, and everyone is starry-eyed as evening plans begin to unfold.

We begin the steep trek up the picturesque hills of Lisbon’s old quarter toward our tiny temporary home. I notice the sunset, which tempts my attention with its soft pinks and bright yellows. We are laughing, like usual.

Suddenly, I feel a raindrop on the back of my neck. I twirl my head to the sky, and discover that the orange-pink hues have been overtaken by thick, grey clouds that have appeared overhead. More drops quickly follow the first, and a summer storm ensues.

It is a warm, heavy rain. Like the monsoons of the east, it pours down on us, cleansing our ocean-salted skin. I instantly feel compelled to dance under the shower.

We decide to retrieve two chairs from our second-floor apartment and carry them out front. We place them side by side in the middle of our tiny street, facing the crowds of people that are congregating on the larger promenade. The locals begin setting up tables one by one, until pop-up businesses line both sides of the road as far as the eye can see.

The rain stops no one. I sit back in my chair for a while, watching and listening. When music begins to play, I naturally rise to join the commotion. I can’t seem to stop smiling, and I feel as though I am in a dream.

Not long after, one of the street sellers offers us mojitos, and we happily oblige. Maybe it’s the adrenaline, but I am shocked by its unwavering deliciousness. My eyes meet yours, as they often do, and I blush despite myself. I am so lucky to be here.

In this moment, I can see infinity. It is as if I can feel the strings of time that brought me here and will bring me here again.

I think of transformation, and how I never seem to recognize it. A blessing, and a curse. But I continually learn to welcome its changes with an open heart.

I stare back at you as these thoughts float through my mind, until there is only one: I know not many things when it comes to everything, but I do know, with certainty, that I love you.

And maybe a part of me always will.