215. Family of the Elm Forest

5:30

The sky, which was usually beginning to brighten at this time, remained as dark as a void.

An endless rain poured down upon the land.

A heavy, elongated carriage traveled along the streets of Belfast, with the windows along the roadside reflecting the silhouettes of people moving inside.

Most families had already woken up, preparing breakfast and getting ready for work, praying for today's rain to lighten a bit.

The rainy season had not yet arrived, and this persistent, sudden downpour caught most families unprepared. They could only spend all their savings to repair their homes and buy food that had become very expensive to store.

People carrying oil lamps to work could occasionally be seen on the streets. Despite the heavy rain and the dark sky, the factories' starting time was as unforgiving as ever.