Distant thunder rumbled, and a sudden shower, accompanied by the approaching roar of thunder, drifted down. In a short while, it turned into a downpour. "What heavy rain," Adele said. "It doesn't look like it'll stop anytime soon," Lizzy said, somewhat worried, supporting Merriman's swaying body with her shoulder. In such heavy rain, even with extra pay, no private doctor would be willing to come out. All they could do now was wait for the rain to subside a little. So, with everyone's help, Merriman returned to his room and collapsed onto his bed. He covered his eyes with his arm, his mouth slightly open as he gasped for breath. He liked this kind of gloomy, rainy weather; the cold rainwater soaked every inch of his bare skin, taking away all the heat. He even wanted to open the win

