The Standard of Secrets

A Rainy Day Mistry

Amidst the relentless rain, a familiar voice called out to me. A hand, one I instantly recognized, clutched my wrist. The desperation in that soft, humble voice urged me to listen, to consider what was being asked of me. "Would you mind coming in?"

I turned to confirm my suspicion. There he stood, looking both troubled and relieved. The cold raindrops that had numbed my senses for days now felt like a distant memory. I could sense warmth returning to my body, emanating from the spot where he held onto me. Before I could muster a reply or fully process the whirlwind of emotions that had suddenly engulfed me, he saw something within me that I couldn't see in myself. With a gentle tug, he pulled me back into the bistro.

As I stood near the entrance, gazing down at the raindrops forming a puddle, I heard hurried footsteps approaching. These footsteps had become oddly familiar over the past few days. In her shrill voice, she said, "Here, we only have this towel. Dry yourself." I stood there, frozen like a statue, as she continued, "The owner asked me to let you settle in. I still have some work to finish up, so make yourself comfortable. He'll be right out." I nodded in acknowledgment, feeling somewhat disconnected from reality.

My mind buzzed with questions. I hadn't seen him in weeks. Where had he been? Who was she? Would he disappear again, leaving me with even more questions? I had always sensed that his nervous smile concealed deep secrets from his past, just as I concealed my own past behind the facade I had built. But then again, who was I to question this? We barely knew each other.

All these thoughts swirled in my mind, occupying my thoughts so completely that I failed to notice his stealthy approach. "I quite like the rain myself," he remarked softly, "It carries a sense of sadness, undoubtedly, but the calm and comfort it brings are far more rewarding."

Thunder rumbled in the background, punctuating his words with its deep, resonant voice. I turned to face him in the dimly lit bistro, our eyes meeting in the darkness. I could see the faint, captivating glint of his deep red eyes shimmering in the low lighting.

"So, why were you out there?" he asked, his curiosity mirroring my own as we stood in that moment of shared vulnerability, where he looked unlike himself.

I thought to myself weren't his eyes, Grey?