Daniel

This week was unusually rainy; it hadn't been this rainy for months. People were gloomy. This depressed Vika, who loved rainy days. She walked quickly through the evening city, a glass of coffee in one hand, her phone with a friend's number dialed in the other. After the beeps, Natasha's voice rang out:

• Yes, honey, I'm listening.
• Tusechka, darling! Can you talk now?
• Of course, how was your day?
  Vika began to tell her story enthusiastically. Her high-heeled boots slapped against the puddles, reflecting the city as it sank into twilight.
  Taking a sip of coffee, Vika spotted a rainy bus stop that would provide shelter. "Well, I'm almost there. I'll call when I get home. Good luck!" she said to her friend.
  The bus stop was crowded: dozens of people were waiting for the bus. What happened again? A sigh was heard in the crowd. It's okay, at least I'll get some fresh air, Vika thought. It's just the rain.
  Thunder rumbled in the sky. A tall guy in a black coat approached Vika and shielded her from the rain with an umbrella. Confused, she muttered "thank you" and received a nod in response. Vika noticed the dirt on her light coat and cursed softly. The guy chuckled. She searched her bag for wet wipes but found none.

-It's raining more often.

-Are you not from around here?

-Yes, I am from Lithuania, I came here to study.

-Do you live here?

-Yes, not far from here.