Rain is a wonderful weather condition where we live. I admit that when Missy, my late wife, and I commissioned the construction company to put in a pool in what was then our backyard, it was because of the times during our summers when it became a bit too much. However, I do love the rain when it happens. Marcie also enjoys the rain as long as it's the gentle kind and not the thunderstorm kind. It provides a chance for us to relax together as well as making the air smell wonderful.
It was one such day when we had that gentle rain coming. We were both on the couch enjoying some stuff on the television. There was a blanket over us. Marcie was wearing a pair of her yoga pants and a tee. I was wearing a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt. I had my arms around her as both of us were laying there while the television was on. Marcie had the controller in hands as we were just relaxing. It was a quiet, peaceful day.
Then the rain started getting heavier. I could feel Marcie bristle in my arms as we heard the rain hitting the roof. I started whispering in her ear, letting her know everything was alright. I could feel her fidgeting. As we started hearing the rumbling, I could feel her freezing up. I started to rub her arms as I kept whispering.
Next thing we knew, the lights went out. We had our cell phones handy, so we were able to turn on their flashlights temporarily. By this time, we were sitting up on the couch. She turned towards me, so she was straddling my lap. We were hugging tighter. I was still trying to whisper to her. I was starting to remember the time we were walking around the lake. We spent most of that storm in a rain shelter holding each other just like that. I was able to reach over to the end table and pull one of the small lights fashioned like a lantern out so we could have light while the power was out.
"Leo..." she said, her voice clearly showing how scared she was.
"I got you, Marcie," I responded.
My hands began to rub her back as she pressed against my chest. There were no other thoughts in my mind but to hold her.
My phone began to ring. I looked at the caller ID and saw Aubrey's name. I looked at Marcie before I answered.
"Everything okay, Aubrey?"