Laughter In The Trees

These things are known: 1) crunch of gravel as German sedan pulls up at 9:47, he looks nervously around the kitchen and glances at green LED on microwave 1a) kitchen is a mess 1b) there are two cats and one dog watching him pace 1c) old newspapers, used coffee mugs, umbrella laying half-closed on worn cedar table 1d) clutter is incongruous with luxury of house 2) past wrought iron chandelier, headlights sweep ceiling, panic increases 3) windows above sink are streaked with droplets, his reflection a watercolor left in rain 3a) thunderstorms are ravaging the area 3b) he is in socks, no shoes 4) front door opens and muffled conversation heard, stamping of boots on foyer tile 4a) rumbles of thunder from distant neighborhood 4b) he contemplates hiding in pantry but that’s silly 5) woman enters with purpose, removing one earring, smiling politely 5a) husband follows, gives thumbs up, shoulders dotted with wet spots 5b) unknown fellow peeks in from hallway and waves cordially 5c) glasses fogged, cheeks red, they’ve had a good dinner 6) she finally appears, burns away all viscous nervousness, no smoke present 6a) she wears light blue sweater; eyes shine, hair pinned back 6b) older folks retreat to den with bottle of wine, shut door 6c) standing closely at sink, jokes about him sleeping in treehouse, hand on waist 6d) she leans forward to kiss him and suddenly all is quiet 6e) oak boughs sway silently, wind is picking up 7) treehouse is illuminated by lightning.