Saving Rain

by Kelsey Kingsley

I walked toward her, trying to think of something to say, when she looked up at me, startled and looking as though she’d seen a ghost. From her perspective, that was probably exactly what it was like. “Soldier?” “Mom.” She dropped her gaze to my hands and said, “Are you allowed to be in here without handcuffs?” I stepped over the bench across from her and sat, staring at her with narrowed eyes. “Do you think I need to be in cuffs?” “Well, what if you hurt someone?” I snickered and looked off toward the window, secured by chain links and a lone spiderweb. “I’m not a psychopathic killer, Mom. Frankly, if I were, they probably wouldn’t let me in here at all.” “Some people think you are.” My eyes met hers then for the first time in … God, I didn’t even know how long. “Oh, yeah? Is that what you think?” She shrugged, not a hint of regret on her bony, sallow face. “I haven’t decided yet.” I couldn’t help but laugh as I raked a hand through my hair. It was getting longer. I’d have to start pulling it back if I didn’t want to get it cut, and I wasn’t sure I did. It was nice to have a change for once. It was nice to become a new version of myself … or someone else entirely. “What are you doing here, Mom?” My voice sounded exhausted to my ears. Like the two minutes in her presence had already been too much. She seemed taken aback by the question. “I’m not allowed to see my son?” “Nobody said you’re not allowed. But considering you haven’t come to see me in fucking years …” I lifted...