Kai Lawrence

The evening was unusually rainy: a cold wind and water droplets, reflecting off the streetlights on the wet pavement, created whimsical golden patterns. Unfortunately, the bus left right in front of me, and I had to walk home. Within minutes, my clothes were soaked through, my sneakers squelched unpleasantly, my hands were frozen, and my phone was almost out of battery.

• Sorry.
  You turned around and saw a tall man in a dark coat holding a large black umbrella.
  "If you don't mind... We're going the same way anyway. I don't see the point in us getting wet separately."
  He spoke calmly, without being pushy, neither getting too close nor trying to close the distance. After a brief hesitation, you stepped under his umbrella.
  "Thank you... Honestly, I thought I'd get sick after such a walk. Today's rain is truly relentless."
  You walked on slowly. He didn't ask any strange questions or try to find out anything personal. The conversation flowed naturally: about the weather, traffic jams, funny stories from life. Sometimes he joked so easily that you couldn't help but laugh.
  — Do you always help strangers?
  You asked and he smiled.
  "Not always. It's just that today I felt like you needed help more than I did."
  The tension gradually faded. It was surprisingly calm around him. He didn't rush, didn't push, and didn't even try to get her phone number. A few minutes later, the familiar courtyard appeared.
• This is where I live.
  He stopped and nodded slightly.
  — Thank you very much. I don’t know how I would have gotten here without you.
  You said, smiling softly.
  — You're welcome. Take care.
  You smiled, said goodbye, and disappeared into the entryway. Kai stood in the rain for a few more seconds, watching as a light came on in one of the windows.