A storm was coming.
Growing up, every house Ruth lived in would be considered ‘substandard housing’ by today’s standards. Truth be told, they were most likely ‘substandard’ by the standards of that day. But there was a roof over her head, she was relatively warm and dry.
So when she bought her first house, it broke her heart that ‘plastic’ had to be put over the windows. Weatherization if you will.
One of the best things she ever did was have new windows put in; as she could afford them. Her living room has a large front window. When Chico came into her life, this is his entertainment. He sits on the back of the couch and watches ‘Chico t.v.’.
This evening a storm is brewing. For hours the black clouds have been piling in. The birds have all gone to roost. There hasn’t been a car past the house in well over an hour.
Chico sat on the back of the couch. Ruth knelt behind him on the cushions. Her left arm wrapped around him. While his back rested up against her shoulder. They watched the impending storm. And natures reaction to it.
The heavens opened and rain poured down in sheets. The road is about 25 feet from her house. Maybe 30 and she couldn’t see the road for the rain.
It rained like this for half an hour. Slowly, objects started to come into view. The decorative fence around a flower bed. The mail box. People started to drive again. But the rain didn’t fully stop.
By bed time, the rain had calmed itself into a slow Kentucky rain. Those rains that you know are going to last all night or all day. They have settled in for the long haul. Not heavy. But you’re gonna get wet.
Chico wore his rain coat when they went to potty town.
Lightening was random. The thunder silent.
Chico and Ruth settled in, it was a great night for sleeping.
A thunderous pounding came to the side door. Chico (a 10 pound Chihuahua) raced from the bed with the ferocity of a bull Mastiff. She had never heard such barking from him. Once she had him under control, she opened the door to a man.
Lightening lit up the face of a wild eyed madman. Soaked to the bone. She knew the instant she saw his face why he was at her door.
“Come in.”
The End
Poetry & More 