Humphrey the Cloud wasn't a bad cloud. He wasn't grumpy or mean-spirited. He just...dreamt in pastels. While other clouds puffed with pride, unleashing torrents that quenched thirsty fields, Humphrey fantasized about raining cotton candy rain that would paint the world pink and lavender.
One sweltering summer day, the Wind carried whispers of a terrible drought. The once vibrant meadows were turning a dusty brown, and the normally playful river was a mere trickle. Humphrey, however, was lost in a daydream of raining sherbet-colored sprinkles.
Suddenly, a tiny voice startled him. It was Penelope, a baby raindrop clinging to Humphrey's fluffy belly. "Mister Cloud," she squeaked, "why aren't we raining? The flowers are sad!"
Humphrey sighed. "I just...don't want to rain regular rain," he confessed.
Penelope's little voice turned serious. "But that's what clouds do, Mister Cloud. It's our job! The earth needs us."
Humphrey felt a pang of guilt. He looked down at the parched land, the drooping sunflowers, the listless animals. Penelope was right. It wasn't about his silly dreams; it was about fulfilling his purpose.
Taking a deep breath, Humphrey puffed out his chest. Regular rain, it may be, but he'd make it the best regular rain ever seen! He rumbled and churned, gathering moisture with newfound determination. Penelope cheered as the first fat drops tumbled down.
The rain fell for hours, a steady, soaking blessing. Humphrey poured his heart into it, each drop a silent apology for his daydream. As the rain finally subsided, a breathtaking sight unfolded.
The world shimmered, not with pastel sprinkles, but with something even more magical. Sunbeams danced on the replenished river, turning it into a glittering ribbon. The flowers, revived and vibrant, swayed in the gentle breeze, their colors richer than ever. Even the dust seemed to sparkle.
Penelope, perched on a dripping leaf, beamed. "Look, Mister Cloud! It's even more beautiful than your candy rain!"
Humphrey, for the first time, felt a true sense of satisfaction. Raining regular rain wasn't boring; it was a gift, a way to bring life and beauty to the world. He may have forgotten to rain, but he wouldn't forget his purpose ever again. And who knew, maybe someday, he'd earn the chance to rain a single, perfect drop of cotton candy pink. After all, a cloud who fulfilled his duty deserved a little dream, didn't he?
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