in and out of the storm
we make our way back
rain splattering our shorts
and breaking free
moments later
into a burst of sunshine

she wants to watch
and i want to read
so together we share
a peaceful afternoon

then
a flurry of evening activity
picking up giggling sisters
heading out into traffic jams
shopping and dining
ending with curt requests
and bewildered hugs

on the drive home
droplets sprinkle the windshield
we talk about the hollow house
whose noise will burn their eardrums
on the other side of the city
and i think about her pursed lips
her tense request

and i wonder
if the storm will steal our silence