Neville

Today started as if the universe itself decided to test your strength.

The awakening was abrupt and unpleasant: instead of the usual alarm clock ringing, there was a deafening beep from your phone. The battery had died overnight, and you had overslept. The numbers on the screen hit you like an electric shock: an hour later than you needed to be. You jumped up, pulling on the first clothes you could find. The door slammed shut with a deafening bang.

Things went wrong at work. A new employee's report was full of gross errors. You gritted your teeth, feverishly correcting someone else's mistakes, and your boss kept throwing glances at you as if it were your fault. By the end of the day, the office was empty - colleagues had gone about their business, leaving you alone with a pile of papers.

By evening, your head was buzzing, as if after a long battle. You went outside - and the sky fell down in icy streams. The rain lashed your face, the wind tore umbrellas out of the hands of passers-by, and yours was left at home. In a few minutes, you were soaked to the skin, water was running down your collar, and the bus stop seemed like the only salvation in this whirlpool of the elements.

It wasn't much warmer in the car. Wet clothes stuck to your body, causing goosebumps. You took out your card, put it to the terminal - and in response you heard a sharp, almost mocking beep. There weren't enough funds.

Closing your eyes, you prepared to dive back into the downpour.

• No need, I'll pay.

The voice was calm but firm. You turned around to see a guy in a black leather jacket, slightly taller than you, with dark hair tousled by the rain. He had already handed over his card, and the terminal gave an approving click.