Outside the hospital window, a tornado spun wildly. It roared and hovered, unwilling to move. Heavy rain and wind pounded the glass. It almost felt alive, its menacing presence just watching, waiting.
Nobody dared to approach the window. Nurses and doctors glanced nervously at the twisting tempest. But then, at the moment little James was born, the tornado seemed to look in, its furious spinning slowing.
As James let out his first cry, the tornado paused. It was as if nature itself wanted to witness the miracle. Then, it resumed its dance, spinning wildly before vanishing into the night.
Word of the tornado spread through the town and even made the news. Everyone talked about the twister that came for baby James. It was a story told over and over again.
As he grew, James was different. His fascination with spirals was obvious. Watching water spin down the drain, he'd chant 'tornado, tornado' while his hands whirled in imitation.
At first, his father thought it was just because of the tales. But as James got older, he saw more. When storms came, James would run outside and raise his hand to the sky.
He felt a connection. The wind seemed to speak to him, and lightning danced close whenever he reached out during a storm. James was part of that uncontrolled power.
The others kids at school thought James was strange, but he didn't mind. He felt a calling every time dark clouds gathered. Storms energized him; they were his friends.
One day, during recess, a storm approached. Kids screamed and ran inside, but James walked to the center of the field, arms outstretched. Was he calling the storm?
With a powerful gust, the wind answered him. James just smiled as a light drizzle began, the essence of the tornado that had heralded his entrance into the world.
He knew he was no ordinary boy. James had a gift, a mysterious link with the forces of nature. And perhaps, one day, he'd understand why the tornado had come for him.
The sky cleared and James went back to class. He had a secret, a wonder that he'd never share. He was James, the boy who danced with the wind.
Reflection Questions