There was no indication of relief from the rain, which began just before sunrise.
Its persistent pounding against the windows roused Lila from her slumber, signaling that she would be spending the day indoors. Clouds hung low over the valley like a gray wool blanket, casting a shadow that matched the sky outside their bedroom, which had the hue of tarnished pewter. The constant patter of water falling from the gutters onto the stone terrace below would have been calming if it weren't so persistent; she could already hear it happening.
Regan, who was standing next to her, remarked, "So much for checking the south vines," his voice still scratchy from sleep. As one of those seemingly insignificant but vital steps that distinguished prosperous vintners from those who suffered catastrophic
