The morning rainstorm had a way of swallowing sound, as if the whole city of Ravenshollow wanted to hide beneath its own gray curtain. As Mateo Rios hurried along the soaked boulevard, he felt the weight of the day pressing against his ribs. His résumé, protected only by a flimsy plastic sleeve, thumped lightly against his chest. He wiped his brow even though the rain had already drenched him through. This was his fourth interview since spring, and the last one he could afford to fail. His mother’s medications were nearly gone, his savings had collapsed into loose coins, and the landlord’s warnings had grown sharper each week.
He remembered his mother placing a gentle hand on his cheek at dawn, her voice soft from years of strain. “Be yourself. If the world pushes you to be cruel, choose kindness anyway.” Her words were simple, yet they clung to him with a stubborn tenderness.
His pace quickened as he reached the intersection, but something caught his eye near a narrow bus shelter. An older woman sat hunched on the metal bench, her thick burgundy coat soaked, her knees trembling. People streamed past her, too busy or too indifferent to stop. She tried to stand, but her legs buckled beneath her. Mateo felt his stomach twist.
He checked the time. If he stopped, he would be late. If he didn’t, she would remain helpless in the rain.
He drew a shaky breath and walked toward her.
“Ma’am, are you hurt?” he asked, leaning close so she could hear him over the rain.
Her pale eyes blinked up at him. “I got dizzy. Everything spun. I cannot seem to get my balance back.”
Mateo removed his jacket and settled it carefully around her shoulders. It was soaked, but it was still warmer than nothing. “Let me help you stand. Hold on to me.”
She hesitated, looking embarrassed. “I do not want to trouble you. I can manage.”
“It’s alright. Please let me help you.”
She placed her arms around his neck, and he lifted her slowly. She was lighter than he expected, but her clothes were heavy with water and her shoes slipped on the pavement. He tightened his grip to keep her steady.
“You are very kind,” she whispered. Her voice cracked slightly.
Mateo glanced toward the towering glass building several blocks away. His future waited there, but this woman needed him now. He turned away from the direction of the interview and guided her toward a taxi stand he hoped would be nearby.