the road home // josh kiszka

lady rain

chapter song: lady rain-hall & oates

//

fall/winter 2015

"Hi Mom, bye Mom." I said, making a beeline straight to my room after my shift.

"Hold on, young man." My mom said, coming into the foyer.

I swiveled around on the stairs to face her, raising an eyebrow.

"Where are you going?"

"To my room, inspiration strikes yet again." I grinned from ear to ear.

She smiled, "Well I won't bother you then, but I'll call you when dinner is ready."

"Deal. Thanks, Mom."

I hurried up the stairs, and locked my room door. I didn't need any interruptions from Jake or Sam. I grabbed my songwriting journal off of my bookshelf, opened up to a fresh page, and started writing.

***

The day had passed by in a blur, my mind clouded with thoughts of her. I wondered what she was like, what her interests were, the kind of people she surrounded herself with. I stepped out onto the back porch with a joint in hand, it was dark as hell out. I took out my phone flashlight to navigate and jumped out of my skin when I heard the back door open again.

"Hey man, what are you doing?" Jake asked me.

"Just smoking, trying to relax a bit." I said, fumbling with the lighter.

I lit the joint and took a long drag before offering it to Jake. He nodded in thanks before taking a drag.

"Mom says you're writing songs again?" He asked, leaning over the railing.

"Yeah, or at least trying to." I said, sighing.

"You know you can ask for help right? That's our plan, we're making music together."

"I know, this one just feels personal."

"You met someone didn't you?"

"Yeah, and she's perfect. I just feel like my words can't do her justice."

"Hmm, tell me what she's like."

"Would you think I was crazy if I said I didn't know? I only met her today at work, but I instantly felt something."

"That's not crazy, but I see how that can pose an issue for songwriting. I know it may come off a bit cheesy, but write about the feelings surrounding her."

"That's not too bad of an idea."

"I hope it works out, let me know if I can help. Night, man."

"Thanks man, goodnight."

***

The light leaking in through the window blinded me, waking me up. I groaned and stretched out.

"JOSH!" my mom yelled from downstairs.

"Coming!" I responded.

I stumbled to grab a pair of pants and my robe and made my way downstairs.

"Yeah?" I said, entering the kitchen.

"A few of the colleges responded." My mom said, holding up 3 envelopes.

My stomach tumbled over, my heart beating at the speed of light. I hadn't wanted to think about this right now, I just wanted to ride the high I got from the small bit of inspiration I had.

"Want to open them now?"

"Yeah, might as well. Either way, I'll be sick to my stomach."

She handed me the envelopes, giving me a small smile. I opened the one I had cared about the least first--Central Michigan University.