Answers

Jess heard the steaks hiss as Ken placed them on the grill. He 
continued looking out over the brown yard, watching the sun set.  They 
were eating late tonight; it had been too hot to eat. And there'd been an 
issue that had to be settled before they could enjoy their night.

As the smell of the charring steaks wafted over to him, Jess walked over to 
the single tomato plant that he'd been nurturing through the heat and 
drought. He picked the one fat ripe tomato. Showing the fruit to Ken, 
Jess asked, "Is my ass as red as this?"

"Not even close. Why don't you slice that? We'll have it with dinner."

Jess felt eyes follow him as he walked toward the sliding glass door. He 
turned and saw the questioning look in Ken's eyes. Jess heard those 
questions as if Ken had spoken them aloud: are you alright? Have you 
settled down?

Jess took inventory of his body. His shoulders were relaxed, his jaws no 
longer clenched with anger, his mind clear from worry, and his ass sore 
from Ken's hand. Jess knew his smile gave Ken the answers he'd been seeking.