The Saltwater Room by Owl City
I didn't remember much of Grandmother's house except that it smelled like salt, nectarines, and rain.
When I was smaller, the early September rain was always accompanied by hand-picked, ripe nectarines. I used to love them but they lost their charm as I got older. Now, they only served as a key to the almost lost memories of sticky fingers and the rolling of distant thunder.
It was almost welcoming with its sweet memories.
"You better have got all your bags," Mother was exhausted as she sat down on the porch, wiping sweat from her forehead as I sat down my light suitcase. "I don't want to find any of your shit left in there. Last thing mom needs is to pay for your forgetfulness."
I stood off to the side, staring at Grandmother's neglected garden. It was a little surprising to find it so unkempt. I vividly remembered it being prim and bursting with delicious tomatoes, cucumbers, and blueberries with assortments of blooming flowers. Now, it was dark with mud, most of the plants were dried up and dead, and as I sniffed, I found that her home only smelled of the ocean.
That's right.
It wasn't even August yet. It was the beginning of June. The nectarines were still growing in the hillside orchards this time of year, but, we were on the cusp of the rainy season. I found myself almost nostalgically drawn to the yearning for rain, but it was short lived as I remembered how easy it was to get soaked.
"Take off that stupid thing," Mother grumbled, "you look fucking ridiculous."
I turned towards her as I felt pins and needles shoot up my spine.
"Ah, Alma, is that you?" Grandmother's voice drew closer at an agonizing pace. "Alma? Dear?"
Mother shot up, smiling.
"Yes, mom! Here, let me help you!" Mother gave me a cold glance. "Hurry, Historia, go help mom."
I quickly slid out of my sandals and got onto the porch, padding quietly over the polished wooden flooring.
"Ah, Historia, is that you, too, dear? I haven't heard from you in ages, dear. Come here, come here," Grandmother beckoned as I went through her clean living room to the hallway where she stood, idly creeping forward with her snail pace.
My eyes caught onto her unfocused gaze, staring everywhere but me as their cloudy irises were still.
"Hi, Gamma," I gently took her hand into mine as she exhaled, relived.
"Can't get around as fast as I used to," she chortled, leaning into my frame as I led her to the porch, "ever since my sight gave out everything is a big task, dear."
"It's okay, Gamma. I got you."
"Thanks, dear," her eyebrows pursed together, "though, I think my hearing is getting worse… you sound far away."
I was quiet as I stopped a generous distance from Mother, standing inside as my grandmother let go of my hand, turning her head here and there, trying to figure out where mother was.
"Mom," she finally spoke up, walking over to her and gingerly hugging her. "It's so good to see you!"
"You, too, dear," Grandma gave her a big, long hug until mother had to pull away.
"Say," Mother kept her eyes on Grandma, "how'd you know it was Historia and not me who went and got you? Can you still see some?"
Grandma chuckled, keeping her hand in Mother's.
"Oh, Alma, Historia has always been a small girl. You're more filled out and had a heavier footstep." She was quite pleased when Mother gaped, offended that Grandmother would ever comment on her weight.
"Are you saying I'm fat, mom?!"
"Dear, no," Grandmother snorted, "you're small but Historia is very much smaller. Now, how about tea?"
Mother didn't like that one bit as it was yet another reminder of her fleeting youth. I imagined she even thought I intentionally grabbed the source of her beauty and ripped it out as I came out of the womb, stealing it all for myself.
"Actually, mom, I'm on a very tight schedule. I have to get back into town and talk to Rod about some things." Mother insisted, letting go of Grandmother's hand and walk away. The sad look on Grandmother's face hurt.
"Are you still seeing that man, Alma? He's no good, I tell you," her voice was frail and small and I never thought I'd ever see my grandmother any less than strong and full of life. She had always been the embodiment of a joyous laugh. "You fought so hard to keep Historia… and all those dirty tricks he did…"
"No, no, not that," Alma assured, "we have to talk about financial things. Historia requires a lot more care than I can afford right now… so, I need his help."
Or, more like that she wanted to ditch me here.
Unfortunately for her vindictive attitude, this place was going to be quiet and nice—something I valued over her loud, suffocating house that smelled of artificially flowery candles.
"Is that so? Well, me and Historia will look after each other, but don't be gone too long, okay? Visit us often! Train tickets don't cost much these days!" Grandmother was smiling again as she waved.
I kept my post in the house, watching as Mother glared over her shoulder at me.
"Even though mom can't see," Mother called me out, "you should dress your very best. You hear?"
"Yes, mother," the air was growing thick and heavy as the wind took a stronger scent as she left us behind.
I could almost taste the rain as I turned my head, bag rustling and causing Grandmother to give her my attention.
"Oh, did you two get snacks before coming here?" Grandmother came to me, taking my hand. "I have lots here, you silly girls. No need to buy extra."
"Of course," I agreed, guiding her to the kitchen. "Let me make you some tea, gamma. Would you like mint or lavender?"
The peal of thunder made its mark on my heart as I felt a warmth grow inside me. Back home, the rain was dirty and made the alleys smell like piss and decay, causing the whole city to stink like a hellhole. It made me hate rain as I felt my lips sticking from the increased humidity.
I thought I was over the rain and promise of juicy nectarines but Grandmother's smile told me otherwise.
Perhaps being forced here would prove refreshing. Maybe even purifying.
-x-x-x-
The rain came down like the merciless arrows of a divine army, forcing anyone and everyone to retreat inside. Even when evening came and the street lamps flickered on with their drowsy buzzing, the rain continued its downpour, humming and whispering with the distant ocean waves.
"Gamma," I took my gaze from the watery window, "how're you feeling? Need more water?"
I was seated at her bedside, quietly reading her a book.
"Ah, I feel wonderful. Though, this rain sounds so lovely… I think I will go to bed early, dear. Will you be okay? Do you remember where the bathroom and towels are? If you feel peckish, you can eat whatever you want, dear."
"I do. Thank you, Gamma. Do you need an extra quilt?" The house had a cold draft that kept sneaking its way under my shirt, chilling me.
Grandma shook her head.
"I will be fine, dear. I love the cold." She smiled, nestling in, and for a moment I thought of going to bed, too, because she made it seem like the most relaxing thing I could do right now.
"Goodnight, gamma," I whispered, gently stroking the stray hairs behind her ear as she kissed my hand.
"Goodnight, love bug. See you tomorrow."
With that, I got up and quietly slid the sliding door shut.
I would love no better than to go unpack up in my room and brood over what I'd spend my time doing here, but I had more urgent matters. I pulled my phone out of my pocket as its fluorescent light lit up the hallway.
I quickly typed in the town's name and hoped for the best as I brought up the convenience store's hours.
I exhaled, relieved and had to adjust my face a bit with my hands—it was all sticky as my hair was clinging to my face and mouth. I fetched the stray hair out as I went to the front door, pulling on a hoodie.
The store was going to be closing in about ten minutes. It was only a three minute walk up the hill from here if I took the alleyways, but who knew how slippery or mucky it was with the rain. I just had to hope I'd make it in time.
"Ah," I unlocked the door, frowning.
Grandmother hadn't told me where she put the spare keys, and I didn't necessarily want to alert her that I was going to the store in this weather. She'd tell me to wait and I wouldn't have a good excuse to go.
It was such a small town, though. Everyone knew everyone and nobody would be invading each other's houses unless it was an emergency…
I kept the door unlocked as I opened the door.
A large gust of wind narrowly blew my cover as it howled, frothing and pelting me with rain. I gritted my teeth, blinking back the tears in my eyes from its force as I hunkered inward on myself and stepped outside. I hastily threw my hood on, drawing the strings taut so it didn't get blown off on my trip. I turned around and jiggled the door handle a couple of times, ensuring I didn't lock myself out in the storm before closing the door and quickly walking off.
I had about nine minutes now to get there, hurriedly get my stuff, and get back.
The storm was so heavy that the streetlights did little to help as I began to jog, hiding my hands in my pockets.
I had forgot how steep the hill was as I barely made it to the top after a few laborious minutes of jogging, but my hard work was paid off as I saw the bright neon lights of the convenience store shining through the dark like a beacon.
The streets were flooding, soaking my sneakers and socks as I ran across the road, and right into the store, barely waiting for the automatic doors to open.
The man behind the counter was too busy restocking the cigarettes to bellow a greeting as I shuffled down the aisles, searching and searching and searching—there we are.
I picked up a pack of pads and tampons, stuffing them under my arm as I went to the miscellaneous, seeing all the dusty products that looked outdated, straight from the 90s, until I spotted the last of my checklist.
I took the box of paper bags, examining the side for their dimensions, and found them to be almost perfect. It was a lucky find. Most were too small or too large.
I took my goods to the front of the store as another person came in, waltzing past me and to the beer cooler. I spared them a curious glance.
"Ah, I didn't even see you there," the man chuckled, turning around to the other man who came in, "oh! Shoot! And I didn't see you—uh…"
I didn't say anything as I looked up at him and he stared down at me and then at what I had.
"Miss?" He nervously stopped laughing, staring at me further.
I don't know whether he was scared or creeped out but eventually he did snap out of it and began to ring up my items, but his hesitancy never left.
"Um, that's going to be fourteen dollars and thirty seven cents, miss," he couldn't stop staring. Maybe he thought it was a prank or something.
I dug into my coat, grabbing my coin purse and—
"Oh no," my voice cracked.
I completely forgot my wallet in my room after I put my suitcase in there. I almost felt like crying because I knew that the temporary toilet paper wad trick wasn't going to work for the rest of the night, and I really needed those bags for tomorrow.
"I-I left my wallet." I felt so stupid and the man seemed to let up a lot upon hearing my voice. Maybe it comforted him to hear how fragile I was.
"A-Ah… I don't think I ever saw you around here… who're you staying with, or passing through?" He asked, scratching the back of his neck, conflicted, and glancing at the clock, seeing it was four minutes till closing. "Do you need this tonight? I mean… I-I don't know how women's things work, but…"
"Hey," the blond man that came in earlier came up, slapping down a twenty, "don't sweat it, miss. I'll cove you."
I bit my lip and drew my hood closer to my face.
"T-Thanks," I felt relief flood over me but I didn't want him to get a closer look at my face.
"No problem," I could feel him leaning closer, trying to peek at me, but I moved away. "What's your name, miss?"
"Reiner!" The door opened as a boisterous, smaller boy came in, jumping about, soaked. "Hurry up, man! It doesn't take this long to just grab a beer! The car is a junker—"the boy stopped upon seeing my face.
His eyes widened, surprised. A flush went right across his cheeks.
"Who're you—"
"Thank you very much!" I didn't wait for the man to even bag my stuff as I grabbed them and bolted out the door, racing down the street and into the alley, feeling my sneakers almost slip with every step, but they stayed true as I found myself breathless at my grandmother's porch, gasping for air, and shaking, holding my stuff.
I was completely drenched as I was bent over, trying to catch my breath. I leaned against the white plastered wall, feeling my sides hurt and ache as my lungs were on fire. My eyes squeezed shut as I tried to make myself calm down but I felt so stupid.
So stupid.
It took a minute for me to even stand up straight, groaning a bit as I went to the door, ready to soak in the tub and go to sleep. I could feel the stomach cramps coming after it all.
But, I stopped completely.
The door was ajar.
I was certain I had shut it when I left.
"Gamma?" I called out, wondering if she wandered out to the porch. She probably heard me leaving and was worried.
I glanced down the porch but I didn't see her anywhere.
I began to worry, thinking all sorts of things that could've happened to Grandma while I was gone.
"Gamma?" I called out, quieter as I crept inside, closing and locking the door behind me as I clutched onto my purchases.
I heard a grunt from the living room.
I squinted my eyes as I took off my sneakers in the mudroom.
"Dammit," I whispered, unable to quickly get off my socks. I put my stuff down and sat down, peeling my soggy socks off and wiping my feet down with a nearby towel. I kept glancing over my back, afraid of what might be in the dark waiting.
"Gamma?" I tried again but no answer.
I was starting to get scared as I got up, creeping towards the living room and peering around the corner, hiding, but I saw nothing in the inky darkness.
"Grandma?" I whispered.
Nothing.
My hand went out, blindly patting the wall around the corner until I felt the protrusion of the light switch.
I was uncertain whether I actually wanted to see what may be inside, but I had to.
For Grandma.
I quickly flicked it and saw a tall stranger, staring right at me.
Lighting flashed as the electricity went out.
The roar of thunder deafened my screech as I fell backwards on my ass.
The person had jolted upwards, hitting the coffee table, and fell to the ground with a thud, hissing, barely audible over the storm.
Another streak of lighting and crash of thunder reignited the electricity as the lights blinked on, revealing the soaked intruder. They were curled in on themselves, holding their leg, cursing, and rocking themselves in pain.
"Who are you!?" I demanded.
Outside, it was getting worse and worse—I could hear the streets splashing with torrents of water. I even heard a yell of a man, alerting others that someone's car was almost washing away.
"Who are you!?" I repeated, bolting upwards and grabbing the nearest thing towards me, holding it like a bat.
"Nn," the person stopped rocking as they shakily got up.
Their clothes were more like mud now that I was really looking at them—there was even seaweed intertwined with their arms.
I felt my guard drop.
There was sand in every crease of their outfit. Clay and sediment was caked in the hood of their sweater as they got up, causing all of it to slop onto the floor in the giant, dirty puddle under them.
The person turned—and, she was—she was there.
The woman had dark skin but her lips were shivering, purple and blue. Her nose was red and there were deep, dark circles under her eyes, and her face was gaunt as if she had been missing a week of food.
And—I dropped the umbrella in my hand—there was a crab that fell from her coat's pocket, skittering on the floor angrily, and ducking under the couch.
A piece of seaweed was weaved into her hair as she glared at me for a moment, but then I realized she was just adjusting her eyes to the light.
"Who are you?" I begged, again, afraid, because it didn't look like the storm was the cause of it.
She looked like the ocean had spat her up from its darkest depths.
Her eyes went downcast, her fingers twitched, and she glanced around, uncertain.
"I-I don't know."