Every season has something special about it. In the fall, for example, the leaves start to fall, the wind picks up, and it rains more often. Some children don’t like fall because of the rain, but others truly enjoy the season – just like Madeline.
She was a blonde girl with pigtails, blue eyes, and a smile that never left her face. Even though she was already big— a first grader,after all—Madeline loved jumping in puddles. That’s why she cheered whenever it rained. But it hadn’t always been that way.
When Madeline was little, she didn’t like water. Any kind of water. But one day, her fear of water disappeared. As she was about to go home from preschool, it started raining outside. Madeline stood in the doorway, scowling at the world and refusing to step outside.
“Mommy, didn’t you bring an umbrella or a raincoat?” the little girl asked in a sulky voice, wanting to stay dry.
“No, sweetie, I didn’t. Come on, we’ll run through it,” her mom smiled down at her. But Madeline didn’t want to budge.
Suddenly, she heard something strange:
“Yippee, this is great! Splash, splash. Hurray!”
“What’s that?” Madeline asked her mom.
“What? I don’t hear anything,” her mom said, puzzled.
But Madeline heard the shouting again: “This is amazing! I’m jumping! I’m flying! I’m falling! Splash.”
Madeline looked around. She couldn’t be imagining things: she really did hear someone. Staring intently at the rain, she finally saw it: the raindrops falling to the ground were having a blast. One, two, three…more and more of them. Every time they flew down, they shouted: “This is great, I’m flying! And now..splash. Hurray!”
Fascinated, Madeline held out her hand, and one of the raindrops fell into her palm. For a moment, it just rolled around. When it stopped, it sat up straight and asked, “Madeline, why don’t you like the rain? It’s fun to splash and get wet in the water. Falling or jumping in puddles, splashing water in all directions – it’s the best. Plus, rain is important. Without it, everything would dry up. The grass, flowers, and animals wouldn’t have anything to drink. It’s a good thing when it rains.”
“So I’m not imagining things? You really are talking? And the other raindrops too?” Madeline wondered.
“Yes, I’m talking, and yes, there are plenty of us who talk. But only children can hear us. Adults can’t anymore.”
“I see,” Madeline thought to herself. “And do you really think it’s fun to jump in puddles? I know water is useful, but I just don’t like getting wet.”
“Well, give it a try, Madeline. Enjoy the rain! Even rain can be nice. As soon as your mom lets you, get wet. Splash the water everywhere,” the raindrop said, before rolling off her palm and onto the ground.
Madeline thought about it. Maybe she really could try it. Those raindrops looked so happy, and she wanted to be happy, too. Crouching on the threshold of the preschool door, she carefully dipped her hand into a puddle and splashed. She found it so funny that she burst into a smile. When her mom watched Madeline, she couldn’t believe her eyes. “What are you doing, sweetie?” she asked her little daughter, who was crouching by the puddle and splashing it a little with her finger. “I’m trying to see what it’s like to get wet and splash around. The raindrops said it’s nice. And that it’s fun. That I should try it,” she explained.
Watching her, Mom couldn’t believe her eyes. “What are you doing, sweetie?” she asked her little girl, who was now swirling her finger in the water.
“I’m testing out what it’s like to get wet and splash around. The raindrops told me it’s nice, and that it’s fun. They said I should try it,” she explained.
Mom looked at her, bemused. “So, the raindrops told you that, huh?” She smiled. Madeline nodded earnestly. “Well, if the raindrops told you to do it, we’ve got to give it a proper try!” Mom said—and hopped right into the nearest puddle.
Madeline’s eyes widened. What was Mom doing?!
“What, did you think I didn’t know how? I know how to enjoy the rain, too. And if I can do it, so can you! Now we’re going home. It doesn’t matter if we get wet and muddy—we can dry off and change into warm clothes later. Besides, it’s not even cold. It’s the perfect time to listen to the raindrops and enjoy the puddles. Come on, little girl, show me what you’ve got!” Mom encouraged.
Seeing her mom wading through the downpour and singing to herself, Madeline didn’t hesitate for another second. She dashed out into the storm. She jumped in the puddles, danced in the rain, and laughed from ear to ear. All around her, she could hear the raindrops calling out: “This is great, look at me, I’m flying!”
Ever since that day, Madeline has loved the rain. In fact, she looks forward to it. Whenever the clouds roll in, she asks her mom if it’s the right time to go enjoy the weather. And if her mom says yes, Madeline runs right outside to dance along with the raindrops.
