Until Then

  Krishiv I walk through the rain, the bottoms of my jeans soaked, and my umbrella shading me from the downpour. I woke up two hours ago and couldn’t go back to sleep, and my stupid brain thought a walk might be a good idea. Right. A walk. In the rain. Rain has always reminded me of my parents, who are working abroad. They had told me about them leaving on a rainy day three years ago. They chose to give up their jobs to chase the jobs that paid better, so I could chase my dreams. The trees with golden leaves and the bushes of dying flowers pass me as I walk by, the cold fall weather beginning to replace the warmth of summer. I reach my house and unlock the door, my cold fingers holding the key. I walk in, abandoning the cold rain, to the warm, dry air that wraps around me like a hug. I rub my hands to warm up my fingers. The house was quiet except for the faint sound of the rain outside and the squeaks of my shoes as I took them off. I feel my phone buzz in my pocket and pull it ou...

Asha I’m sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with Raquel in a cafe.  Her heads in a book, completely immersed in its universe.  I rest my head on my knees,  a warm cup of coffee held between my hands. Taking a deep breath, I let the scent of coffee and rain  settle around me like the soft drift of a leaf falling to the ground.  Glancing outside the large glass window,  I watch the rain hit the concrete  and unbloomed flowers.  I’ve always wondered  what type of flowers they are. I close my eyes, heavy with sleep, and I listen to the soft music of rain pattering against the windows. I feel a light tap on my leg. Opening my eyes,  I see Raquel sitting across from me.  How did she get there?  Her mouth moves,  as if she is talking to me,  but the sound of her words,  don’t reach my ears, despite it being quiet in the cafe.  “I can’t hear you,” I say,  shaking my head.  She rolls her eyes,  she shakes he...