There’s no rain, he said. It was supposed to rain. He continued looking out the window. I see clouds, but I don’t see rain.

A kettle with water boiling in it sat on the burner. A mug next to it reads, WORLD’S GREATEST DAD. Two tea bags hang inside of it; Earl Grey.

He pours hot water into a cup and stirs in a spoonful of sugar and milk, which is out of date. Looks out the window again. Sees clouds forming and hears thunder. Still, no rain.

Sitting in a metal folding chair at the table, he turns on the radio to WKCR in New York. Phil Schaap is talking about Charlie Parker in a monotone voice. Music begins to play. It’s Salt Peanuts by Dizzie Gillespie and Kenny Clarke. This is the beginning of Bop. He drinks his tea and keeps time with his fingers on the tabletop. The rain has begun.

Pellets of water hit the window. He walks over to look outside. Twenty-fourth Street is soaked. People scurry from taxi cabs to their apartments and rented rooms. He turns the music down just a bit, so it mixes with the storm. Salt peanuts…Salt peanuts… he sings in a whisper. He opens the window, sticks his head out, and lets the rain wash away his sins.