Rain
Raindrops clink as they bounce off the roof tiles. The peaceful rhythm tries to lull Evelyn to sleep. They attempt to shake off their drowsiness. They can’t sleep now, or they’ll miss the rest of the storm.
It’s raining for once, the first time in months. Almanac Records said it used to rain often in the years before Evelyn was born and a little after. Now, Evelyn can count the times it’s rained each year on one hand. Today’s the third time this year. October isn’t good or bad for rain. It’ll likely be the last time until the new cycle starts. They never know when to expect the sky’s tears, but one can hope.
Evelyn gazes out at the barrels desperately gulping all the water that falls from the sky. Their hair is still damp from setting them out.
Evelyn wipes the side of their face with a damp towel.
They place their head against the window. Their forehead feels like it’s wet again. Their breath makes fog on the window. They watch as streams dance down the glass before sinking into the ground.
Lights are on in the other houses, yet Evelyn remains alone in their viewing.
The town is restless when it rains. No doubt the twins are buzzing with restlessness at their confinement. Their neighbor is probably chatting up a storm with her husband about her book ideas.
In their own home, there’s a lull of energy.
Their brother was upstairs staring at his notes or scribbling down every coherent thought he has. Their parents were likely laying side by side in their bed, talking about nothing until the rain passed.
Evelyn leans back to rest their head against the wall.
Days like this were comfy and cozy. They’re spent staring and dreaming of the outside. Does it rain more elsewhere? Does it rain for days straight? Does it rain more than ten times a year?
It made them want to run down to the coast as fast as possible.
Yet, nothing was better than staring outside with the patter of rain on the glass as company.
If only every day could be this peaceful.
