Saving Rain

by Kelsey Kingsley

“You know, maybe I should find something somewhere else.” “Soldier, this is your best chance at starting over while still remaining within the state lines,” Harry replied, but what he meant was, There is nothing else. “Honestly, if it wasn’t for your probation, I’d tell you to just get the hell out of Connecticut altogether. Move to Alabama and start over.” “Why Alabama?” Every single house was decorated for Christmas, decked out to the nines. I wondered if it was a part of the agreement when buying a place here. Connie looked like the kinda lady to pass some crazy rule like that. Thou shalt not leave a shingle untouched by a twinkling light. I snorted at my own joke. Harry shrugged. “I dunno. First state I thought of.” “You think I’d cut it in Alabama?” I asked, glancing at him with a raised brow. “Dunno. Never been there.” “Then, why’d you think of it?” Harry sighed as we pulled up to a Stop sign. “Soldier, you’re worse than my grandkids.” “Sorry,” I said, raking both hands through my hair. “I’m fuckin’ nervous.” “Don’t be. We’re gonna check out your new place, then go to the grocery store and get things set up there. No big deal.” I glanced at the older guy beside me and said, “Harry, I dunno why the hell you’re doing all this for me, but … thank you. I know I’ve said it already, but really, I mean it. Thank you.” He peered at me from over his silver frames, then smiled. “Good people deserve good things, Soldier, and it’s about time someone showed you that.” It wasn’t t...