"The rains are gone," the man said.  "The sun is back.  There are new leaves on the trees.  Yes, the world is awake."

"Is it settled yet?"

"Go to the window," the man said.

The boy went to the window.  Patches of light and warmth fell on his face.  A tiny curl of air howled under the sill.  It brought the sweet, powdery perfume of peach blossoms.  The leaves on the poplar tree sounded like applause.

"It's spring," the boy said, and he smiled.