[ umbrella ]: a sudden downpour catches the coatless receiver off guard, and the sender helpfully offers some shelter. (!!! :] )
A Random Act of Kindness. // Accepting.
In the early morning, Lana has the passing thought it may rain, too fleeting to make a difference and now failure to heed her own intuition bears down on her as a heavy rain that threatens to soak through the pages of homework and notes she protectively cradles close. She hears so clearly the patter of raindrops against the pavement like a heartbeat echoing the one in her chest while she searches for some cover from the downpour. Dampened bangs cling to her forehead, sky water eliciting a shiver from where it trickles down the skin of her neck.
She thinks to cut her losses then, to race back to the academy and accept the wrinkles soon to develop in paper, accept that sometimes these things just happen. Her eyes scan the horizon for an indication it may let up soon that never emerges, but there is a large tree nestled in the center of town that catches her attention instead. Apparently someone else had the same idea because beneath its leafy awning, Lana comes across a purple-haired girl who looks to her in soundless understanding, making room for Lana on the cold yet thankfully dry bench.
They exchange no words in however long it takes the storm of pass as though listening to the rain’s voice is enough. The interval between drops extends eventually, and finally, she can hear the sound of breath inhaling the scent it leaves behind, earthy and damp. Lana is the first to rise, eager to wring moisture from her uniform and for warmth stolen to return to her fingers once more. “Thank you,” she says in parting, head inclined, smiling. “You’re very kind.”