[ WP ] `` It 's just the rain ''

*It ’ s just the rain. * It shouldn ’ t be able to hurt James. James had been sitting in the rocking chair for about an hour. An hour of near silence, excluding the rain beating on the window how a car is beaten by potholes. James wanted to go out there into the rainstorm but he knew it could only end in tragedy. Instead he resigned himself to his grandfather ’ s living room, content knowing he was safe. James ’ grandfather had passed away nearly a year ago, leaving James with the home and enough money to cover the homes expenses for a few years. Although the home was in his name now, it still belonged to his grandfather. Looking out into the street he watched a cat run up the sidewalk taking shelter on the porch. 
 
 James fell backward through time remembering his younger self at the house. Running around outside playing with the animals The cats and dogs were faster than him even then but it never mattered to him. James had a way with animals, always able to bring them to him. Through treats, soft words, and patience James always had someone to pet or talk to. Although he couldn ’ t keep the animals he could have them on the porch. On the porch, James would spend his days petting the strays that he befriended. Often times he would hear their stories of hunting for food or playing with their litter, but mostly smiled and enjoyed being pet. 
 
 *It ’ s just the rain. * James ’ eyes opened again. Nodding off in the rocker gets easier everyday. Getting out of the rocker had gotten harder. Its contours smooth and neat created a special sort of comfort that can only be found in oak. James however preferred a simple throw pillow under himself. It is still understandable. James felt at his age it didn ’ t matter how perfect the chair would support him, the feeling of down feathers was plenty comfortable for his seat. 
 
 
 Thinking back to his grandfather, James remembered the mountain of a man. Stronger than a man could possibly be even at his great size. Carrying what looked like a hundred pounds of wood he set them on the porch next to his rocker and prepped them for the fireplace. He would always pat James on the head and tell him he ’ s a sweet boy. 
 
 
 *It ’ s just the rain*. James carefully stood up one hand on an arm of the chair, the other his cane. Thunder slammed against the windows and against James ’ shaken body. He considered his choices for the remainder of the day. While he thought about heading to bed early a second Blast of thunder caught him off guard enough he fell. 
 
 
 The pain sent him back to the hospital. He remembered that first fateful afternoon. Sitting on the bench waiting for the doctor to return with the results of the blood work. It wasn ’ t what he wanted. He wanted to go home and play with the animals. Instead he sat there as the doctor came in and revealed that James wouldn ’ t be able to run even at his struggled pace much longer. Terminal, but not fatal. 
 
 
 *It ’ s just the rain. * To James it felt as though all the bones in his legs had gone on vacation. He crawled best he could to the phone. Pulling it by the cord he could hear over the pellets hitting the siding of the home the line was out. He inched his way with his arms to the front door. He slid down the step into the foyer and pulled the door back. Perhaps on the porch he could get attention from a neighbor. 
 
 
 *It ’ s just the rain. * Using everything in his arms James righted himself against the house and sat on the hardwood porch. He touched his legs and he knew it was bad. The sensation tore up his weakened legs through his hips and chest to his brain and James howled. The cat from across the way hopped onto the porch and wandered up to him. James coaxed the little cat into his lap. Wincing in pain James called out in his strongest voice for help. 
 
 
 A woman takes her eyes off her shiny new cellphone. Looking out the window she sees sheets of white flicker in the air and onto the road. Squinting and pointing her ear towards the window. For a moment she considers getting up. *It ’ s just the rain. * 

