The rain poured relentlessly, soaking the streets and casting a gray gloom over the city. Kyle tugged his jacket tighter around himself as he hurried down the street, the rhythmic patter of raindrops pounding against the pavement. It was supposed to be a quick walk home, but the weather had turned sour, leaving him drenched and shivering.
As he approached the familiar bus stop, something made him stop in his tracks.
There, sitting alone on the bench, was a girl. Her clothes clung to her, drenched and heavy, and her hair stuck to her face in dark, wet strands. She sat motionless, staring at the ground, utterly oblivious to the rain that battered her frail frame.
Kyle's breath caught in his throat as recognition dawned on him. It was her—the girl everyone knew. The one who seemed perfect in every way: graceful, popular, always surrounded by friends. But here she was, alone in the storm, looking anything but perfect. Her usual bright smile was replaced with an expression of deep sorrow, her eyes hollow and distant.
"Why... why is she here like this?" Kyle muttered under his breath, hesitating for a moment. Part of him wanted to keep walking, but something inside him wouldn't let him leave her like this.
He stepped forward cautiously, his voice soft but carrying over the rain. "Hey... you're going to get sick out here."
The girl didn't move at first. Then, slowly, she lifted her head, her eyes meeting his. There was no trace of recognition in her gaze—only pain. Kyle's heart twisted at the sight. She was the queen of the school, adored by everyone. Yet now, in this moment, she looked more fragile than he could ever have imagined.