**ROSEANA**
It's pouring outside. The sound of the rain on the window is soothing my mind. Every time lightning strikes, light flashes across the sky.
I was watching the water droplets on the window. I cracked a smile. There's something about rain that I enjoy. Maybe this is how the earth cools. I don't like sunny days. Perhaps it's because of the tranquility brought about by the rain that I love when it rains. People's movement is hampered whenever it rains. The rain drowns out the noise of the surroundings.
I focused my attention on the man seated on the sofa. His gaze was fixed on his laptop as his fingers moved skillfully. It was fascinating to watch him use his laptop with ease. His glasses boost his demeanor.
He appeared to be one of those hot university professors who are admired by students and most of the girls. His fine looks were not diminished by the loose trousers and white t-shirt he was wearing. That's simple to look at, yet it gives him a masculine and clean appearance. Just by looking at him, I can tell he smells nice.
I pinch myself quietly. Roseana, stop talking. Don't lust after your husband. When did I even learn to behave this way toward a man?
Today is Friday. He was meant to be at work, but he chose to stay at home so that I have someone with me and he can keep an eye on me. I told Damon several times that I could handle being alone in the house, but he was stubborn and didn't listen.
It all started when he found me walking with my sprained foot. My sprain isn't that bad. My foot was fine just three days ago. I can already walk with it, but he insists on resting it for at least a week. He chose to work from home to keep an eye on me after I refused to obey him. Now, he wouldn't even let me lay a hand.
To be honest, I'm not used to his behavior these days. He grew so concerned and paranoid that I couldn't recognize the Damon I knew.
I understand that he has a lot on his plate at work, but he followed through on his promise. I feel sorry for his assistant since what his boss is doing is causing him extra problems. When Damon needs to sign documents, he needs to travel back and forth.
"Can I bathe in the rain?" I exclaimed. That's something I've been considering for a while.
I missed playing in the rain. I can't recall the last time I took a shower in the rain. I recall being envious of other children because they could play and bathe in the rain, whereas I couldn't. I didn't get to do that because my stepmother wouldn't let me.
I thought Damon wouldn't hear what I said. His entire attention was on what he was doing.
"No," he replied. He doesn't move his gaze away from his laptop, but I can see his brows knit.
“Your feet—”
I interrupted him, "My feet are fine." I already know what he's going to say. He will advise me to sit rather than walk or soak in the rain because my sprain is not yet healed.
I believe he and the doctor are exaggerating when they say I should wait at least a week or two. I'm OK now. Even though my bruise was nearly black at the time, I was using sleep to heal my sprain.
"Besides, it has been five days since, so it is good now. Trust me because I am the one who can feel my body." I continue to persuade him.
Damon let out a sigh. He placed his eyeglasses on the sofa and fixed his stare on me. His brows are creased.
"Roseana, isn't your sprained ankle enough that you want to get a fever again?" he replied to him. I can't seem to stop pouting. He sounded like a dad reprimanding a child.
"Damon, I thought when I signed our marriage certificate, I was getting a husband. Turns out I am getting a father in you," I replied. I'm not sure where in the world I got the guts to say it, but my husband didn't become furious. He only raised an eyebrow when he heard what I said.
"Oh yeah?" he mockingly asked.
I give him a sheepish look and raise my two fingers. "Peace," I grumbled.
"Tsk, stop with your idea of bathing in the rain, Roseana because that won't happen. At least not on my watch and today. You just had a headache like weeks ago!" he said.
Damon's remarks entered my left ear and passed to the right.
"Damon, please. I missed bathing in the rain. Besides, I'll rinse afterward so I don't get a fever."
Damon gave me a sideways glance.
He responded flatly, "No." He resumed his attention to his laptop.
"Okay, I just told you what I'm going to do. Just because you don't agree doesn't mean I'm not going to bathe in the rain anymore." I sound like I'm speaking to a toddler.
I stood up from my seat, smiling. I attempted to walk my foot slowly. When I wasn't in pain, I grinned.
I looked at Damon arrogantly. I wanted to brag that my foot was alright, but I was surprised when his face showed when I raised my face. I almost fell.
"Be careful," Damon grumbled. His hands crept up to my waist, assisting me in standing.
"Thank you," I mumbled.
I turned my head away when Damon flicked my forehead. When he blew my eyeballs out, I couldn't help but close them.
"You're really stubborn, woman."
"Why do you want to bathe in the rain? Aren't you cold?" I responded to him.
Over my shoulder, I gazed out the window. It's still pouring outside.
"I was still young when my mother died of illness. I can't even remember her face. But I have this vivid memory of a woman and a little girl playing in the rain. Her gentle voice mingled with the raindrops. I can't see her face, but I remember her in that yellow dress, running under the rain; her laughter sounds like music to my ears." I murmured. I resumed my attention to Damon.
He was looking at me intently. His hands press against my face. He wiped away the tears that had fallen from my eyes.
"You are crying."
"Maybe that's the reason why I find comfort and warmth whenever it's raining," I replied with a warm smile.
"All right, let's bathe in the rain," he said, and I couldn't help but put my hand around his neck when he lifted me.