<center>https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmbxcorSXMZJooQdXSKzgv4g9t9BRVQgNtrCsdMw4PrFFW/storm-2567670_1280.jpg</center><center><sub><i> Lightning Catcher- Pixabay [CCO](https://pixabay.com/en/storm-weather-thunderstorm-thunder-2567670)</i></sub></center><hr/>
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As Ladi descended the hill, the wind seemed to pick up a little more in its intensity. However, the air did not feel moist, that being a somewhat tell-tale sign that rain was likely to fall. The clouds grew even darker, and though it was still evening, it began to become increasingly difficult to see. 

Suddenly, a flash of lightning illuminated the area, brightening the world in a split second before leaving sparkling motes in Ladi’s eyes. Then the ground rumbled, and a peal of thunder, louder than anything the girl had ever heard before, reverberated in the heavens.

“That’s strange,” Ladi thought to herself. “Thunder only resonates in the heavens, not in the earth. Something unnatural is afoot.”

Even though she was a spunky girl, and was difficult to scare, Ladi began to feel uncomfortable alone and unshaded in the face of this mighty approaching storm. She began to run as fast as she could, although she was positive that the storm would overtake her before she reached home.

There was an option she had, though. Along the way, there were a number of isolated huts, built for wayfarers, merchant and others whose work took them far from home. These huts were good shade from the daytime heat, and provided a decent cover from rain.

It was to one of these that Ladi turned, just as rain began to fall from the sky in an explosive shower, as though the sky was unleashing its fury upon the earth. Despite the fact that she was close to the hut, she was drenched when she got in.

“I almost wish I were a dog, so I could shake myself dry,” she announced to no one in particular, as she knelt in the darkness of the hut, with the intention of waiting till the rain had spent itself.

Suddenly, alarm seized Ladi as she realized she wasn’t alone. A low cackle emanated from a corner of the hut, making the girl become more alarmed.

“Be careful what you wish for,” came a shaky, old voice, “because your wish might come true.”

“I did not wish I was a dog, great stranger,” Ladi replied, plucking her courage and addressing whoever had spoken to her, while making sure to be as polite as she could. “I only said I almost wished such. With whose honourable company do I share this hut?”

As if in answer to her question, a terribly bright flash of lightning illuminated the world again, revealing what seemed to be a pile of tattered rags in a corner of the hut. But Ladi could make out the eyes and almost toothless grin of a strange, old woman, half-concealed within the rags.

_**To be continued...**_

_**Thanks for coming!**_

_**That little boy,**_

_**@pearlumie**_

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