Raven in the Rain

12 months ago

When I'm at my lowest. When it feels like the entire world is against me. and nothing could ever be right. I can always count on the rain. Count that its purifying powers wash away my anguish. Count that its healing powers mend my soul. Regardless of what has happened, I can count on this truth.

So it was on that faithful day. I just came off work, tired and frustrated. Sweaty and annoyed. It was sunny out, you see. And my suit was not meant for such hot weather. But one must keep up the pretenses when working in a major law firm. Stupid social norms.

Those days I was troubled by a raven in my dreams. At first, I was afraid of it. But, in time I learned it was my friend. I know it sounds weird now, but it would always wait for me in the rain, beckoning. That stupid dream coupled with my problems at work only increased my stress.

The madness began as I was waiting for my bus ride home. The car was for the missus. She needed it to do her chores around town. Or so I thought. Lo and behold she texted me. Texted! Didn't have the decency to call.

"I have packed my things. This is just not going to work anymore. You are always working and never have enough time for what's important. Me. I am taking Daniella with me. The divorce papers are on the kitchen table."

I glared at the message for so long that I missed the bus in front of me. The nerve of the woman... She took Daniella? The only light of my life? Like I was gonna let that happen.

"Hey, mister? Some of us are trying to walk here."

"Oh, sorry..."

I was in the middle of the sidewalk blocking people from easily accessing the bus station. I needed a drink. This was too much.

At a nearby bar, I ordered my favorite - Jamison whiskey. Still reading the message things started to click. It was the yoga instructor. It had to be. Or maybe she found someone rich. And also... I was pretty absent. That was true. Was I the problem? Truly?

"Another glass, barkeep."

Another text. Another shot in the heart: "We will no longer be needing your services at J&J Law Firm. See to it that you deposit your letter of resignation by tomorrow afternoon."

Even though I was expecting it... why now? I was a little relieved actually until I read the text again. Letter of resignation? Weren't they firing me? Then, it clicked. They wanted to give me a lesser severance check. I've heard of this tactic before and it wasn't gonna work. If they wanted me out, they would have to force me out and give me my damn money.

The day was just... it was just...

"Another one..."

"Slow down there tiger, night is young." The bartender said.

"Night?"

It was night. Who knows how long I was sulking in that bar?

"Right. You're right."

"Tough day?" The bartender asked, pouring me another glass regardless.

"Yeah."

"Well, I have been told that I'm a great therapist."

I finally had a good look at the person serving my drinks. She was raven-haired, with a nose that could cut glass. Her eyes, large and almond colored beckoned me to tell her everything.

"Right now, I cannot afford a therapist," I said, smiling.

She chuckled. "Ain't that the truth, eh?" She poured a glass for herself. "To free therapy."

"To free therapy." Our glasses clinked.

"My shift is ending soon." She said.

I looked out the window, it was raining. "It's raining," I said, absently.

"Yeah, I love the rain."

"Me too." I finished my glass. "If you're willing, I could use an ear right now."

"I'll give you two, handsome. I'm off in five."

I waited outside the bar. My foggy mind remembers the bartender from before. I would come to this bar sometimes, it was close to the firm after all. I always thought she was cute, but nothing more. Happily married and all that.

The crispness of the air was so refreshing. I put my hand over the awning to feel the droplets on my fingers. The street before me was becoming a river. A huge, wonderful puddle spreads from its center.

"You really do love the rain." She said. she...

"Sorry but I didn't catch your name," I asked.

"Because I didn't give it." She extended her hand in the rain, then offered it. "Violet."

I grabbed it with my own wet hand. "Trevor."

"So, where do you want to go, Trevor?"

"Anywhere but here."

"In the rain?"

"In the rain."