Bruce stared out the motel window at the single streetlight by the side of the highway. The white cone of light shimmered due to the drops of rain falling through its friendly beam. There was no wind, so the rain fell straight to the ground. He imagined the rain splashing against his bare arms, its coolness, and its fresh feel. He closed his eyes and imagined himself heading down the highway on his bike, the wind whipping through his long hair.
He let go of the thin curtain he’d been holding aside. The room was quiet except for the gentle snoring of Alice, who lay beside Trudy. Trudy’s rhythmic breathing made the thin, off-white blanket rise and fall in a steady beat.
Her eyes were closed and he could tell she was dreaming because of the movement under her eyelids.
He couldn’t sleep. He
