I quickly shut the balcony window and stepped back as if I had just seen a ghost. I sat, lost in thought about this stranger who seemed to follow me wherever I went. Perhaps his heart had become attached to me; surely he was finding a way to get closer. I tried to put an end to these thoughts that disturbed my peace and left me no room to work. I took out the file I had started and immersed myself in it.
I stayed focused, not looking up until I heard the raindrops tapping against the windowpane. I rushed over and opened it, enjoying the sight of the falling rain creating a beautiful symphony.
I glanced at the café, but the stranger was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps he had left, giving up at last. I returned to my desk, feeling a strange sadness as if a part of me had been taken away. I blamed myself for not caring enough, for not giving him a chance to follow me. I decided to forget him and focus on my own affairs, as if nothing had happened.
When break time came, Livia arrived at my office so we could have our lunch, usually sandwiches from the nearby restaurant. I often ask my friend to bring them since, as the manager's assistant, I'm not allowed to leave like she is. I was quite hungry, having worked for a good while.
Livia knocked, and I invited her in, saying,
"Livia, how are you, my friend? You came at just the right time—I'm really hungry."
She replied, "Good that you're hungry. I thought you wouldn't eat like yesterday after work. I was worried about you; you didn't seem like yourself."
I responded, "What's wrong with you too? Mom and Sophie keep saying the same thing—I'm tired of all the questions about whether I'm okay."
Then Livia said, "So, I'm not the only one who noticed. Anyway, whenever you're ready to talk, you'll tell me, whether sooner or later."
I laughed, trying to change the subject, and said, "Enough chatter, let's eat."
Livia laughed too and teased, "Afraid you'll eat me? Thank goodness your appetite's back."
We ate together, laughing until the break was over, and each returned to work. For a while, I forgot about that stranger, busy with my files until it was time to leave.
I grabbed my bag, put on my coat, and noticed that the rain hadn't stopped; it had only gotten heavier. I realized, with a touch of dismay, that I'd forgotten my umbrella. I hoped Livia had brought hers so we wouldn't get soaked, but when I went to her office, she wasn't there. They told me her mother had called because her father was ill, so she had left quickly to be with him.
I cursed my bad luck, knowing it was my own fault; how many times had Mom and Sophie reminded me of these things? But my haste often left me unprepared.
I waited by the building's entrance, hoping the rain would let up, but it only grew stronger, and the sky darkened further. Finally, I decided to venture out into the rain. I loved it, but only when I had an umbrella. Now, I was sure I'd catch a cold.
As I hurried along, looking for a taxi, I suddenly heard someone call my name—a man's voice. So, it wasn't Livia. "Miss Maria, stop! You'll get soaked."
Startled, I realized it was him—the stranger! He approached, holding an umbrella. I couldn't hesitate to accept his help. He offered his hand and kept it clasped with mine, warmth radiating through me, making me forget the cold and the rain.
He walked beside me, sharing his umbrella. Neither of us spoke during the walk. Yet, in his presence, I felt as though I had known him for ages. I stole glances without raising my head, drawn to his elegance and the scent of his cologne, filling my senses. Surely, I'd recognize him by this fragrance alone if I ever encountered him again.
He walked me to my door, handed me his card with his phone number, and asked for mine. I didn't hesitate to give it to him. He didn't ask me to be his companion, but his gaze said it all. Sometimes silence speaks louder than words, saying everything that goes unspoken.
I thanked him warmly and entered the house to find my mother waiting, concerned, knowing I hadn't brought my umbrella. I greeted her and Sophie, feeling elated, leaving them puzzled by my sudden change of mood.
I climbed to my room to change. First, I looked out from my balcony to see him still standing there. When he saw me, he smiled, and I returned it, waving goodbye. I stayed there until he faded from sight, hopeful that I'd see him again and again. He was the knight I had dreamt of; I had finally found him and wouldn't let him go.
That night, I slept with a happiness I hadn't felt in a long time. My soul had finally found its twin. Jack had come to fill my heart with joy after the loss of my father and the absence of my brother. I took my father's picture in my hands, sharing my story with him, knowing he would be glad for his daughter's happiness. I kissed the photo and gently placed it beside my bed, drifting to sleep with a smile on my face.