It was still coming down when we left the lake.
It wasn't the gentle kind of storm. This one came with a purpose, the sky turning dark in just twenty minutes. The wind started picking up from the water, and the first big, cold drops fell before we even realized what was happening. Luckily, we made it back inside before getting completely drenched, which was a pretty good outcome considering how fast the weather had changed. The afternoon had turned nasty in no time.
The retreat was coming to a close, and people were busy gathering their belongings, calling for rides, and exchanging lengthy goodbyes, a common ritual among groups that had spent several intense days together. Damien walked back to the group, his face set in a distinct expression, one that clearly indicated he had just recei
