Kim

This rainy day showed just how cold spring can still be. The sky was heavy and gray, the wind pulling dampness down your collar. You wore only a thin sweater and a tank top, walking quickly to the bus stop. The rain was pouring down harder than ever, cold drops hitting the pavement and running down your face. You covered your head with your hands, feeling awkward, like a small worm in the rain.

It had been a tough day at work: you'd had a fight with your boss, and the unpleasant conversation was still swirling around in your head. Your mood had gotten even worse. As you approached the bus stop, you noticed a man's shadow with an umbrella. The black umbrella swayed slightly in the wind. You ignored it and simply stood next to him, shaking water off his sleeves. His cold gaze flickered to you for a second, and he said, turning his head slightly:

— Come closer, I see you're cold.

You were surprised by this proposal, but the rain intensified, and you nevertheless stepped under his umbrella. It immediately became calmer there, only the drops pattering softly on the fabric. You looked him over: his black coat, neat trousers, slightly damp dark hair. He looked handsome and young.

After a few seconds of silence you said:

• Thank you... the rain has really picked up today.

He smiled at the corner of his lips and answered more softly:

• Yes, people should help each other.

You nodded. The bus had already appeared, its headlights on, making noise on the wet road. When it pulled up, you stepped inside and looked back—it was still standing there, looking at you.

"You're not taking this bus?" you asked.

He shook his head. You walked inside and took a seat by the window. The glass was cool and raindrops were visible. You looked away for only a second, and when you looked back at the bus stop, it was gone—only the rain and the empty bus stop.