Tin Roof

The rain was falling steadily outside, not a downpour, just a rhythmic patter. Jeff lay on the bed, enjoying the sound of rain falling on their tin roof. It was one of the best sounds in the world, he thought.

Ellen had started a fire in the fireplace and sat in her chair nearby, enjoying the warmth of the orange flames. She knew her husband was laying in the bedroom where the sound of the rain on the roof sounded best.

“Would you like some hot tea?” she called to Jeff, and he said he would love some. Ellen put the tea kettle on and pulled two cups out of the cupboard. “Some sliced tomatoes would be good, too,” she hinted.

Jeff came into the room and smiled. “Why don’t I just go out in the rain and pick us a couple?” he asked and Ellen laughed.

“If you don’t mind,” she said and Jeff hugged her and kissed her cheek.

“Anything for you, doll,” he said and then dashed out into the yard. The earth smelled musky with the rain, and he walked over the rich soil to pick two perfect tomatoes. Running back to the house, he stood on the porch and inhaled the fresh air, rich with the smells of the end of summer with hints of the fall to come. Jeff shook his head, and the drops of rain went flying. He felt so good, so fully present.

He laid the tomatoes on the counter like an offering and Ellen thought he looked twenty years younger, like the boy she had fallen in love with. She blushed and felt a rush of emotion for their shared years together, all the happiness she had known, the tender moments they had shared.

Jeff pulled out a knife, but Ellen put her hand on his and he set the knife down. She smiled at him, and he said, “Our tea will get cold,” in mock protest.

“Let it get cold. Right now I am thinking of something else that will warm up your heart,” she said and led him to the bedroom, where the sound of the rain on the tin roof echoed in such a beautiful way.

This is written in response to Esther Chilton’s writing prompt, Elements. I wanted to include all the four classical, natural elements, earth, air, fire and water in my story.