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“No, I know that. I’m more so referring to the fact that you were just waving it in a dirty, old dog’s face.”
She shrugs. “You’re dripping on the floor.”
As she’s walking out of the room, I look down and notice that she’s right.
“Ugh!” I stomp into the bathroom and change into my soft, warm robe.
While still inside, I continue to hear Grandpa’s muffled laments about the weather. I swear I even hear him sneak in a few swear words. When I was a little girl, I used to make him put money in a jar when he used that kind of language. That’s actually how I afforded my first bike.
Maybe I should reinstitute the swear jar. That could take care of my money issues. Of course, a few dollars here and there couldn’t actually help the situation—but it was a funny idea to think about.
“Mae!” Grandpa Bob yells.
I grunt but open the door. “What is it, Grandpa?”
“I think we’ve run out of buckets to catch the rain in.”
I go into the kitchen and collect the several Tupperware bowls inside the cupboards.
“Here you go.”
“These are so shallow! They’ll overflow in minutes.”
“That’s all I have. I’m sorry.”
He says something under his breath but, nevertheless, continues his mission of keeping our home as dry as possible.
I watch as he hobbles around, trying to locate the exact spot where the moisture will be adequately captured.
“We’re going to have to call someone to properly patch the roof up after this storm clears.” Not that I have the money to afford any such service, but I also don’t think Grandpa’s body can keep up with all of this commotion.
“Nonsense. I can just do it.”
“Grandpa. It’s way too dangerous for you to be going up a ladder like that.”
“Fine. I’ll ask Dean to help me.”
I’m reminded of all of my confusion and questions surrounding that very man. I must be frowning because the next thing I hear is “What’s wrong?”
“I’m just frustrated. Maybe we should let him buy this place.”
“But we just moved in.”
“I know. But I’m starting to worry if we bit off more than we can chew.”
“If it’s the roof—”
“It isn’t just that. It’s everything. The animals. The lack of work as an attorney.”
“But you hated your firm.”
“I did. It was filled with misogynistic pigs. But I didn’t hate the money the swine paid me twice a month.”
“Life isn’t all about money.”
“No, but having it certainly helps make things easier.”
“I guess. But when I look back at my long life, do you know what my favorite times are?”
