Last night, after about 400 gallons of rainwater had pooled on top of South’s balcony, I set out with my trusty companion, Josh, to let loose the flood. With a broom stick I prodded the depths of the hidden drainpipe to no avail. With all hope almost lost, I resorted to that age old remedy: the clothes hanger. This time I dislodged some ancient and gross mess and a small trickle began to flow. Josh and I backed away in anticipation, but the clog held. As our courage returned and we pondered in our hearts whether or not to approach, the floods let loose! With a gush and a gurgle, black waters vomited forth from the drainpipe, drenching the steps and the ground below in a downpour reminiscent of Noah’s day. And for the next five minutes our balcony drained–it was quite the sight to behold. And then, as quickly as it started, it was over, and there we were, two ordinary men who for a few moments had been extraordinary heros.

And still, life goes on.