Marco was frustrated. It was another rainy day in the city. His paintbrushes and easel sat in the dreary light of the gray morning.

On his wall hung his best paintings: an apple orchard with red fruit bursting with color; a beach under a blue sky; and the ocean sparkling in the summer sun. He fondly recalled painting each scene.

Last week, Marco had been painting the flower garden in the park when the rain started. His canvas of pink blossoms was now leaning against the back of the easel in his apartment, half-finished, waiting. The thick clouds and pouring rain showed no sign of leaving.

Later that morning, as Marco gazed out the window, something small caught his eye: a puddle in the street reflected the neon sign of a storefront. After studying the puddle, Marco set up his easel by the window. Instead of seeing a simple, gloomy blur, Marco noticed that the puddle captured not only the neon sign but also the steel-colored sky and a leafless tree branch.

Marco noted the richness of the paint colors as he mixed different grays. Bright orchards and sunny beaches were a familiar challenge, but there were no sharp contrasts in the dark, watery world in that puddle. It was hard at first, but Marco's brushstrokes grew more confident as the morning wore on. Soon he had developed the right techniques for creating the misty shadows and fuzzy neon light.

Hours passed before Marco realized how immersed he was. After he had finished the scene and the paint had dried, he hung the canvas on his wall. The new painting added depth to his collection, and even more depth to his pride as an artist.

Which of the following best describes the main theme or lesson of the story?

A. Even in difficult conditions, one can find inspiration and creativity.
B. Rainy days are best spent working indoors.
C. The best paintings are those with bright and vivid colors.
D. Persistence is not always rewarded with success.