Who is it

The air was thick with moisture, as if it was waiting patiently for the storm to fully form. Rumbles of thunder could be heard in the distance as the smell of rain was getting stronger. The sun was setting. The light dim as the clouds were getting darker. She could hear the waves hit the shoreline in that constant tidal to and fro like a soft song playing in the background, adding to the peace.

The beach house had been in the family for five generations now. It was old but very well kept. Not huge by some of todays standards. Four bedrooms were upstairs with two full bathrooms. The half bath was downstairs. Modern appliances and updated plumbing occurred as needed. Air conditioner units were in the bedroom windows, only turned on if there was no breeze and it was too hot to sleep. Usually a wonderful cross breeze came through the house most days so it wasn't needed often. Furniture only replaced when it became unusable. The deck had been expanded by her parents as the family grew and more room was needed to spread out. There was even a partially screened section to escape the bugs or rain. There was a long table with benches in the screened section, perfect for playing board games. The open area had several Adirondack chairs with foot rests and tables in between to hold drinks, snacks, bug spray, and sunscreen. There were solar lights along the railing to provide light but not lure the bugs. The outdoor shower a God send in keeping the sand tracked in to a minimum.

Inside was furnished comfortably, wood floors with throw rugs and ancient end tables that had been her grandparents, scarred with years of use. Couches and chairs scattered about. Shelves that held boardgames, puzzles, paperbacks, and card games were along the walls on either side of a fireplace rarely used. The kitchen was a sunny yellow with an island that had 4 chairs and included a larger table for bigger meals or gatherings. It was a beautiful place to unwind. Each sibling had their time scheduled in the summer. In the fall there was the weekend when just the adults who could get away would convene for a night or two to close it up for the season. It always went well between opening and closing it up, the work equally shared.

She sat on the deck enjoying the solitude. There was no radio, or TV on. Her phone inside. Adam had taken the kids in to town for ice cream. She had declined just wanting a little bit of time alone. It was such a rarity. No one asking you to find something, fix something, referee an argument, or make food. She truly loved her family but always savored alone time. There was an icy cold beer next to her, the glass sweating profusely as the humidity continued to build. She took a sip, letting the bubbles roll on her tongue. She had a small bowl of cashews too, everyone needs a little salt now and again. Plus nuts are good for you, so they say.

She ruminated on the day. Adam made pancakes for breakfast, Mickey Mouse ones to make them all happy. She made up some sandwiches, and packed snacks in the cooler for the beach. The kids threw the toys and books they wanted in the beach buggy with blankets, towels and the umbrella for shade. The kids picked their favorite water bottles, hydration essential. Heaven forbid they got the wrong color water bottle. They had spent a huge part of the day on the beach, just a short walk from the house. Adam and the kids made a big sand castle, that as the tide came in slowly washed away. The kids even got along all afternoon too. A small miracle, those are often the best. When they got back to the house everyone showered off outside and changed in to dry clothes. Some of the toys were left in the beach buggy which was put in the screened area so it wouldn't all get wet. Wet suits hung on the rack in the laundry room which may or may not be dry for tomorrows beach adventure. Cleaning up dinner side by side, the family unit that they are.

She breathes deeply, smelling the pine and roses. Thunder getting a bit louder. She marveled at how exhausting adulting can be. The person you created a family with whom you love so much. At the same time knowing there are days you could cheerfully smother them with a pillow when one of those quirks that made you love them, makes you crazy. The little humans you created together that need so much of your time. Each year the needs change. Some things get easier, others harder. Trying not to worry. When do they get cell phones, go on dates, join clubs, have sleep overs? What happens if you don't like their friends? Inevitably they will want to bring friends on vacation too, will that be good or bad? How do you keep lines of communication open without being too much in their business? You just keep praying you are doing this right. They will be wonderful, kind, loving adults right? Its utterly terrifying in its complexity.

She feels a big fat rain drop hit her face, grabs her beer and heads inside in the nick of time as the deluge begins. The wind has picked up, various windows need to be shut. She glances at the clock and realizes they should have been back by now. The rain is coming down so hard now everything through the windows is a blur. She sees Adams phone is on the counter too, no point in calling. They should be back soon. Perhaps they are waiting it out in the ice cream shop. She sees headlights heading up the drive. They will be soaked just trying to get in the house. She goes to grab towels so they can dry off. She glances out the window again and realizes she doesn't recognize that car at all.