Log Cabins

Tap. 1

The sound of rain hitting the windshield brings me back to reality. Rain does that to me. You've got The Red Hot Chili Peppers blaring again. The song is "Scar Tissue". You're quietly humming and singing along. As we make a turn, your copy of Tolkien's " The Fellowship of the Ring" slides on the dashboard. Yup. That's you. Glancing at me, you faintly smile. "You're awake." I blink. It's hard to tell whether I'm thinking or sleeping when I get those deep thoughts. "Yeah. Where are we?"  You keep your eyes on the road as you answer. "In Maryville, I think. I haven't seen a gas station for a while." Stretching, I look at you. So very...quiet. I guess it's the rain. My vision wanders from you to out the passenger window. Through the rain, I see a cabin. A log cabin. There's a sign advertising them out in the yard. "Hey, let's stop here." Now you're looking. You're hesitant. "I dunno. We don't know where we are, and it's about to storm..." At that moment, thunder rumbles. We stare at each other. "Please, I just wanna get a closer look." Sighing, you nod, put on the blinker, and turn. I knew you'd do that. "As you wish, Princess Buttercup." You joke with me. Grinning, I peck you on the cheek. "Thank you, Wesley." You park close to the building, getting out and opening the door for me. But you make a great show of it. I roll my eyes, laugh softly. Closing the door , you gaze down at me. 2

"Oh, look a puddle." 3

"Where?"4

Suddenly, you surprise me by sweeping me off my feet and carrying me to the porch. Damn, boy.  The real estate lady inside opens the door, welcoming us in. It's warm inside. She's talking to you, about the floor plan of the house and it's upkeep. I'm not listening. I've fallen back into those deep thoughts. The kitchen is larger. Large enough for us both to cook in. I touch a cabinet reflectively, my sight settled on the living area. There's a space for a book case. You sit in the big, over-stuffed armchair near the fire. That real estate lady is still talking! She must get lonely, sitting up here all day with no one to talk to. I can imagine you sitting there, writing songs and drawing. Yes, it could easily be turning into a studio. I feel at home here. Can you imagine actually buying one of these things? To start a family...with you? I ache inside. The idea is...romantic. I'd love to. 5

"I don't think she's listening." Your voice shatters the fantasy. "Thank you for your time." I say. You're ready to leave, it's in your face. The woman has obviously talked you to death. We leave. We get in the car and I'm still thinking about the cabin. I wonder if you're feeling what I'm feeling. You're silent for a long time. Then, "So, didja like it?" I smile. "Absolutely." And you smile, too. "Good." And you drive me back home.6