032/365

All it takes is one small act of kindness to change a person's day for the better....

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The rain pounds the pavement, followed by a guttural roar from the pale sky above. The trees, thick and luscious, crouch over under the weight of the raindrops bending from the pressure the same way she was. She didn’t even bother with the umbrella tucked neatly into the side pocket of her backpack, patiently waiting to fulfill its purpose. Her head hangs low, neck arched in the same sad shape of her forgotten companion. Tired eyes fixate on restless feet. Her body speaking a different language from her face entirely. Eager legs carrying a heavy heart.

The rain is relentless now, picking up it’s pace falling faster and harder than before. It shows no mercy as it slaps at the back of her neck almost taunting her in her pitiful state. She doesn’t look up but even through the downpour the glisten of tears shine. They sparkle with their own veracity; speaking volumes before they converge with the rainfall and are silenced once again. Pale hands wipe a wet face to no avail, the act a veil for her shame.

The rain drenched her through and through making her pain raw and vivid. Drawn in by her frequencies, a passerby gives her a second glance. Hesitation in his stride as he saunters up to her side. She fidgets slightly when she notices his presence. He smiles wide and extends his umbrella over her head, offering her a moment of coverage and comfort. Her frown turns up at the corners into a crooked little grin. She peeks over her shoulder towards the bridge overlooking the bay swelling with water.

The screech of the brakes seems to jolt her out of her thoughts. She turns to the kind stranger, “Thank you,” she whispers before hopping on the bus, doors flapping shut behind her. She stands there stunned for a second.

“That’ll be a dollar, twenty-five Miss,” the bus driver reminds her.

“I’m sorry I- I don’t have any money on me. I didn’t plan on getting on the bus today”.

He tilts his head quizzingly, giving her a once over before deciding on what to do. “You know what? This ride is on me, looks like you’ve had enough for the day”.

She gives him a grateful smirk before taking her seat at the back, exhaling deeply as she watches the rain meet the bay. “Not today…” she reassures herself, “…not today”.