Page 168 of Unraveling Rain
When I step into my family’s home, the silence is loud.
Even when it’s just Mama and Granny around, there’s usually music playing or chatter coming from the kitchen.
“Mama? Granny?” I call out.
Nothing.
“Hmm, interesting.” I pull out my phone and text Ruin.
Rain: Do you know where Mama and Granny are?
Ruin: Oh, hi Raindrop. They’re with me in NYC. I wanted to give them their Christmas present early.
Damn, she took them to New York City? And here I thought getting them cozy slippers and their favorite skincare was a solid present.
Rain: How fun! You guys enjoy *heart emoji*
Ruin: Wait, are you home? Did you need them? I’m sorry I didn’t give you a heads up.
Rain: No, I just stopped by the diner to check everything was okay and wanted to know if they were home. But I’m on my way to Raleigh now. It’s all good.
Ruin: Okay, let me know how things go at the settlement conference.Love you!
I pocket my phone and head upstairs.
Honestly, it’s better this way. I won’t have anyone asking questions about what I’m getting from the attic.
I pull down the ladder from the hall ceiling. A cloud of dust explodes into the air, and I cough as I climb.
The attic is still, like time stopped here. White sheets drape old furniture. The light is dim, the air is thick.
“Alright, Rain. There’s no time to dwell on the past,” I mutter. “I just need to get the box and head back to Raleigh. Chop, chop, Rain. You can do this.”
My eyes land on an old wooden wardrobe. Daddy’s clothes are still there. His LP collection too.
I glance at the ceiling and smile softly.
“I’m sorry I didn’t share this with you, Daddy. But I knew if I had, you would’ve done something that might’ve taken you from us even sooner.”
I close my eyes and try not to think about the day he passed. I felt like a sword had sliced my heart into little pieces.
I spot the box in the corner, right where I left it—buried under old costume bins Ruin used to play dress-up with.
Box in hand, I head downstairs and out to my car.
It’s time to go home and rest.
Cunningham: The judge set the settlement conference for tomorrow at ten in the morning. Please see if Xander canmake it. Otherwise, I’ll petition for a delay until he can get back home.
“Fucking hell,” I mutter.
Xander is playing tonight, and has another away game in two days.
The thought of not telling him, just going by myself, crosses my mind for a millisecond. But then I remember the vows we exchanged.
Rain: Hey Hotshot, are you ready for tonight? You know I’ll be watching in my favorite jersey *wink emoji*
Xander: Hey babe, I was just thinking about you and how much I miss you. And yes, I’m ready and locked in for tonight. Please tell me you’ll send a picture of you wearing only the jersey in our bed *praying hands emoji* *hot emoji*
