Dark clouds blanketed the sky as a thunderstorm arrived without warning. But a little over ten minutes later, as if all the hastily gathered rain had been dumped at once, the area around the streets and apartment buildings brightened, leaving only soaked pavement and humid air.
A little boy hid under a staircase, craning his neck to peer at the rooftop. During the downpour, the air had been filled with thunder, and through it, he'd faintly heard the sounds of a fierce battle on another roof. But because of the heavy rain and the distance, he couldn't see a thing.
Just then, a shadow fell over him.
The boy tensed up at first, but then sighed in relief. "Mister." But once he got a clear look, he involuntarily stumbled back two steps.
