In the world of public policy there is what’s known as a “window of opportunity.” This is where the all the stars align and the perfect opportunity arrives to push your agenda and get it through the political process. All of a sudden “the window” opens and you have access to government the likes of which you have never seen before and you must act fast before the window shuts again to your particular cause.

Recently, I have realized I am pushing open that window of opportunity with B. I know I should stop but I am full of questions and like an addict on a high I cannot seem to stop asking. As I explained to B, since he has been so closed off in the past and he is trying so hard to be open; I can’t help but take advantage of the open window as I try to crawl through to his brain. I have to admit he is also using this opportunity to ask his own questions.

We all know that an open window can be a delight with soft breezes clearing out the stale air. But since it is accessible it also allows the rain and snow to soak the floor and possibly wreck the precious things it comes in contact with.  While I am enjoying this chance to peek inside the window I am also discovering that the questions are difficult and I don’t always like the answers I find inside B’s house. His answers sometimes make me uncomfortable. They occasionally make me squirm. Often, they bring tears to my eyes and make me dream of a time when things were sweeter.

The truth is, that the here and now, it is a burdensome season. It is summer, and the earth, like our relationship, feels scorched and dry. I long to turn on the air conditioner for relief but to do so would mean that the window would have to be shut. And like most windows, I am afraid that once shut, that in the future the wood may swell making it difficult if not impossible for it to be opened again.

And so I sit in the heavy still heat of the day, with the window still wide open as I try to relish this time, asking questions of the person within, while hoping the window does not close tight on his soul.