The next morning was warm, and the rain overnight began to soak into the air to provide a tinge of uncomfortable humidity. Sunshine danced off water droplets that clung to surrounding foliage enhancing a kaleidoscope of hues on the emerald landscape. Below Matt’s window, the moist roadway still hung onto a darker than usual appearance. Most people walking about carried folded umbrellas and wore lightweight rainwear wary of the clouds and sun square-dancing a do-si-do overhead.

Matt had not sl...