Saving Rain

by Kelsey Kingsley

I gestured toward the house next door. “So, you live over there, huh?” I asked him, making conversation. “Yep.” He kicked at the dirt. “Just me and my mom. Well, sometimes, my dad is here, but most of the time, it’s just us.” “Oh, cool. I haven’t seen you guys around.” Noah shrugged. “Mom said I couldn’t talk to you before. She gets kinda worried about people. But”—he kicked at a rock this time—“I guess she changed her mind.” I twisted my lips and nodded slowly. I wondered if seeing me at the grocery store had altered her opinion of the ex-con who had infiltrated their cozy little River Canyon bubble, and I took it as a good thing. “But she did say I can’t go in your house,” he added, lifting a hand to gesture at my door. “She said she hasn’t decided if you’re a creep or not yet.” I laughed at that. “You have a smart mom.” “So, like, are you a creep?” I tipped my head back to squint toward the blinding sun. “I mean, I don’t think so, but I guess that depends on who you ask.” Noah inhaled deeply and nodded, studying my unfortunate-looking house. “Well, I don’t think you’re a creep. I can usually tell that kinda stuff.” “Oh, well, thanks,” I said, stifling a chuckle. “I don’t think you’re a creep either.” Next door, a window opened, and I glanced over my shoulder to see his mom peering outside. I lifted a hand in a small wave, and she lifted hers to wave back. Then, she mouthed, Sorry, and pointed at Noah, standing there, kicking at the same rock with determination, and I sh...