A collection of stories about finding meaning in life and your place in this world. Story 1: “The Shaft of Light in the Blue”: A teacher indifferent to his job finds a baby swallow and raises it with one of his students. Story 2: “If the Rain Should Stop”: She only sees him in the rain when he goes to meet with his girlfriend. Story 3: “Specimens of 17-Year-Olds”: Confused by social mores, she fakes her way through life. So how does he read her so well? Story 4: “Blooming Marble”: A carefree girl helps a younger boy get through a rough patch. All in good fun, right?