a's

? The words escaped my lips before I could stop them, dissolving into the evening air. I had nowhere to go, no one to

er, my eyes scanning the dimming streets for a place to rest. The city was winding down, the once-bustling sidewalks thinning as

stay here

ick, the scent of rain clinging to the breeze. Overhead, the sky darkened, clou

owhere to run. As soon as the store owner locked up and disappeared down the street, I slipped ben

ops of rain splattered against the pavement. The storm raged o

s, making my body tremble uncontrollably. I pulled a coat from my bag, wrapping it tightly around me, b

adlights cut through the darkness, casting a sharp glow on the rain-slicked street. A horn blared, but

ips too frozen. Seeing my state, the driver stepped out, shielding him

e firm yet gentle. Before I could protest, he

m gave me no choice. My body was already giving up, and I h

nside the vehicle was almost intoxicating, and I sank into the seat, sighing in relie

in this weather?" he asked,

ing. "Thank you," I muttered,

, then asked, "Whe

at to say. His gaze lingered

he asked again, his

r warmth. "I don't have a home," I a

lmost like he hadn't expected that answer. He ran a hand through h

e must have noticed my hesitation beca

'll pay for it,

e, and I nodded slowly,

he turned to me. "I'll go make the payment first," he sai

sorry you have to go through this." A soft sigh left my lips as I adj

off his umbrella. "I've made the payment. Let's ge

rain had eased into a drizzle, but the air was still damp and cold. We wal

me to enter. My eyes widened slightly-it was bigger than I expected.

small, tired smile. "

lightly. "

ery small movement feel louder. He cleared his throat.

eration. "So, everything you'll n

lips for the first time

shaking his head. "

ayfully. "Then what

n," he said, offe

ay. Thank you

chuckle. "Alright then. Se

stepped out, leaving me