Page 28 of We Redeemed the Rain

“I don’t know you.”

“It’s a perfect reason to tell me. Strangers are easier to talk to.”

He said nothing.

“I love talking to people I don’t know.”

He snorted. Again, no words.

“So what’s so scary up here in the hayloft?” I made a show of looking around and pretending like there was nothing in sight. “I don’t see anything.”

He saidhmmin a rather patronizing way.

“What?”

He shook his head. “Just sounds like somethin’ a ten-year-old would say.”

I mentally groped for a response to make me sound more grown-up, more official, but only managed to sputter, “And how old are you?”

“Fifteen.”

“Not that much older.” I sat up straight. My fingers tensed against the strings, a light metallic squeak breaking the silence. “Well, if you don’t want to talk about what’s making you cry, why don’t you tell me something else about you?”

“Uh, okay.”

He hesitated a few beats, so I prodded him. “Go ahead.”

“I—I can’t think of anything.”

“You can’t think ofanythingabout yourself?”

“I…” He tried again, talking like a big brother. “I—think it’s better for you not to know anything about me.”

I frowned. Wasn’t what I expected him to say at all.

“I’ve seen you with your family. You’re happy.” He lifted his hat and ran his hands through his hair before nestling it back on his head. He tipped his face toward the hay as he twirled a piece around his index finger. “You should stay happy.”

I didn’t understand. “And you’re not?”

“I’m happy sometimes.”

“Tell me about those times.” I peered at him in the dark, wishing I could somehow shine a light on his face. Wishing I could see everything beyond the shadows. “Those happy times.”

“Horses.” He nodded once like it was the perfect answer. “Horses make me happy.” He settled back against the hay, staring at me in the dark. “What makes you happy?”

“Glory,” I said without missing a beat.

“Your guitar?”

I nodded, strummed a few times to drive my point.

“You probably have calluses.”

I held my left hand out to him. I couldn’t see his expression, but I sensed his hesitation. Could almost feel squinted eyes dart from my hand to my face. I shook it a little. “Feel them.”

Slowly he reached out his hand, letting the tips of his fingers glide over mine.

Index, middle, ring,pinky.

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