About two hours after the explosion came the black rain: freakishly large and heavy drops, the size of marbles, black and sticky in color and consistency. Caused by condensation that had absorbed rising ash and dust, the black raindrops were large enough to cause pain when they fell upon refugees, and they stained their skin with dark blotches that would not wash away. The black rain was very cold, and some of those who were caught out under it began to shiver. Though the survivors would not know it until later, this sinister rainfall was contaminated with radiation.
