Welcome to the Dark Side

Fire Escape

I stood, letting the rain run down my face. It was so peaceful. So, so peaceful. I closed my eyes and leaned against the alley wall, tracing the faded graffiti with my fingertips as I forced myself to ignore the strangled sobs coming from the apartment behind me. There was nothing I could do, so I allowed the cold to seep into my bones as my plants celebrated the much-needed water.
The brought was over, which was a good thing I suppose. Life moved on, all the hope and joy and sorrow exemplified in the downpour. The air was crisp and fresh for the first time in months, and I reviled in it, as my mom let out another wail.
I lowered my head in defeat. First my father, then my sister, and now my brother. I know I’m probably next. There was no escape from that life around here.
“Lovely, isn’t it?” a voice from above said, breaking through my solitude. I looked up and saw old Mrs. Jody, out on her fire escape with an umbrella in hand. “Always loved the rain.” She continued, a bolt of lightning lighting up the sky, making her silver hair almost glow in contrast to her dark skin and the drab surroundings. “It symbolizes new life you know. Washing away the old to reveal the new.”
I chuckled. Mrs. Jody was known for her tall tales and wacky interpretations of life’s events. She claimed to see meaning in everything, especially the weather. “Is that so, Mrs. Jody?” I said, climbing up to join her.
“You questioning me, Peter?” Mrs. Jody asked, giving me a pointed look.
“Of course not, ma’am.” I quickly corrected.
“Got that right.” Mrs. Jody said, pulling out a cigarette and holding one out to me. “Want one?”
“Sure.” I said, accepting it.
“You’ve had a hell of a day.” She said, as I lit the cigarette. She wasn’t wrong, but all I felt was numb. “That’s why it’s raining you know.”
I scoffed. “So my brother dies in a shoot-out, and that’s why it rains? The weather has a sick sense of humor.”
Mrs. Jody scowled. “That’s not what it means boy! Show some respect, the world is telling you that you’re at a crossroads. You have a choice between two paths. Let the rain bring you a new beginning or follow in your family’s footsteps.”
“No offense Mrs. J, but that stuff don’t happen around here.” I said, putting out the cigarette. “Thanks for letting me smoke.”
Mrs. Jody shook her head with sigh as thunder began to roll across the sky.
I opened the window as another bolt of lightning illuminated the sky. Mrs. Jody was gone. I looked up at the clouds one last time, closing my eyes as the water washed over my face. I opened my eyes. “A new start, huh.” I muttered before slipping through the window.