The storm strengthened, and the world grayed as rain poured down in gushing torrents. Pulses of lightning brought enormous cracks of thunder. The stream along the road rose and then overflowed, sending a sheet of water at the bike's wheels.
Charles halted. “It's too dangerous to drive," he said. “We'll have to hide below a tree and wait it out or walk to shelter."
They got off the motorcycle and leaned it against the trunk of a tree.
“Let's hope the current doesn't sweep it away," Charles said as he removed a few of their belongings from the storage bin.
“This turned out to be an expensive joy ride," Malia said.
Charles laughed, and they shared a smile, their first since the monoliths. She hadn't meant that it just cost money, and that layer of meaning was reflected in their shared
