Only the Rain

by Randall Silvis

Back when we first got married, I thought it was my job to solve all of her problems, so anytime she would bring something up, I would add my two cents by saying, “Maybe you should do this,” or “Have you thought about trying that?” Then one day she came right out and told me what she thought of my suggestions. “I don’t need you to fix everything, Russell. Telling you what’s bothering me doesn’t mean I want you to fix it.” She kept hitting the word “fix” like it was something dirty.

Man, all I ever wanted or expected out of life was to have a decent job for thirty years or so, stay reasonably healthy, raise good kids and put them on their own paths to success, and then enjoy my last twenty years or so playing with my grandkids.