Through the screen door, I can hear the raindrops hit the patio as I stand in the kitchen. The scent of rain engulfs my senses on this hot and stormy night as I wash the few dishes that are in the sink. Peering out the small kitchen window, I can see the big drops splashing on the ground. A flash of lightening appears, brightening the yard for just a moment. The distant sound of thunder echoes in the air as the storm rapidly approaches.
I put down the dishrag and open the small window that is just above the sink. A warm breeze sweeps through the kitchen. The breeze is comforting, like an old friend...like a lost love. Reminding me of your hot breath on my neck as it catches my hair.
Your business trip has lasted for almost two weeks now - twelve days to be exact, but who's counting I think as I return my attention to the dishes in the sink. When you phoned last night, you informed me that you would be gone for at least another five days. My heart broke as you uttered those words. I could here the disappointment in your voice as well. The thought of not seeing you is a hard pill to swallow, but I do understand the nature of your business.
I grab the dishrag and quickly dispense with the chore at hand. Letting the water drain from the sink, I wipe off the countertop and sigh deeply as I miss you so very much. The intensity of the rain is picking up outside. The lightening and thunder are more frequent as the storm rolls in. I move to the back door and stand at the screen gazing at the wonders of Mother Nature. The breeze passing through the screen door whips under my dress catching the hem. The wind feels like a warm hand caressing me - your hand. Closing my eyes I stand in front of the screen door. The warm night air touches my body and fills me with thoughts of you and your touch. I spread my legs slightly and let the warm breeze pass between them. I lean my head back and cross my arms around my body pretending they belong to you. This works for a moment, but the sound of thunder brings me back. I wish that I could feel your strong embrace. Every inch of my soul aches for you to be home. I must be patient, I tell myself. You will be home soon.
Maybe a glass of wine will help to ease some of the melancholy I feel this evening. Moving from the door I walk across the cool white linoleum floor in my bare feet to the refrigerator. Opening the refrigerator door, I remove the bottle of wine sitting on the top shelf. Shutting the refrigerator door with one foot, I then move to the counter next to the refrigerator. Placing the bottle on the counter I reach up to grab a wine glass from the glass rack. Now I really wish you were here, as I am unable to easily get the glass down. I can here you in my mind teasing me as you always do when I need your assistance in getting an object that I have put out of my reach. Little do you know, that I enjoy watching
you
from behind...
Leaning up against the counter on my tiptoes, is the only way that I can even touch the glass. Stretching with all of my might, I finally get my hand on the stem of a glass. Just as I put my hand on the glass, a large bolt of lightening illuminates the sky, knocking out the power to our home. A large crash of thunder shakes the very foundation of my soul and makes me catch my breath. The thunder is so loud that I do not hear the opening and closing of the screen door. Nor do I see or hear the intruder within.
All is dark now. I am stuck in an awkward position, praying that I don't drop the glass on the kitchen floor with my bare feet showing. I curse aloud as I stand their one arm on the countertop and the other reaching for the glass. My back is to the intruder unaware that he is watching my every movement...watching and waiting.
With some difficulty I manage to retrieve the glass and place it on the counter without having it shatter into a million pieces on the floor. I then move along the counter feeling my way to the utility drawer looking for the lighter. On this dark and stormy night I will have to make do with the light of a candle or two. No telling when the power will be back on, as the storm continues to rage on outside.
Locating the handle of the utility drawer, I open the drawer to find the contents all chaotic. I move things around in the dark until my hand feels what should be the lighter. Another flash of lightening blazes across the sky making enough light for me to see that I have indeed found what I am searching for. I reach quickly for the candle that is sitting on the small shelf right in front of me before all of the illumination escapes from the last bolt of lightening. As I light the three-wick candle the sound of thunder can be heard throughout the house.
My thoughts are of you as I move back to my glass. What a night to be without you. The light from the candle helps to ease some of my fear as I hate storms. I need to relax and let the wine work its magic. Let its intoxicating bouquet take me away from this stormy place, if only in my mind.