study for my own tests, but before I went to sleep. I
stood naked at my window and looked out over the
lake toward his house, toward the lit window I knew
was his and felt as if his eyes were on me.
His kiss was still on my lips when I laid my
head on my pillow.
I fell asleep only when I sank into a deeper
place within myself, a cozy place where accidents
never happened, where people never goat angry at
each other, where no one cried and where, if ever
rained, it rained softly, each drop full of sweetness
and light and always afterward, followed by a
rainbow.
Two days later, we both began our final exams. Harley passed all of his tests. Even Uncle Roy
was impressed and could only say. "Yeah, sure,"
when Daddy proposed they take us out to celebrate
our good grades and Harley's graduation.
Mommy decided she was going to help Aunt
Glenda prepare for the festivities. I brought Mommy
over to their house so she could talk to her about
buying some new clothes. As usual, the whole idea of
getting out in public and doing all these things put an
icy look of fear on Glenda's face. but Mommy spoke
softly and quietly, had a cup of tea with her, assured
her she would get along with her to all the department
stores, and finally left with Glenda's agreement to do
so. Mommy gently pointed out that Harley deserved
her being excited for him.
"He's accomplished a great deal. Glenda. He
needs to see you smiling proudly at him graduation