I was alone. Under the bus stop, tapping my feet to the pitter patter of the rain.
It was freezing cold even under a sweatshirt, a jacket, and a coat. So I took that stupid flannel blanket that I always kept inside my bag and wrapped it around my shoulders. I had no umbrella, and the rain seemed like it wouldn't stop for a while.
Guess we'll be stuck here for a while then, I thought, taking a seat by the corner.
I never meant to doze off. And in the bus stop, out of all places. I woke up and berated myself mentally for being so careless. The rain had stopped, but the sun had already set. I checked my mail bag that was still slung across my shoulder. Everything was still in tack. My wallet, my phone, and my papers. I sighed in relief when I suddenly noticed something was missing. The blanket was no longer around my shoulders. I panicked. I looked at the floor and around the place.
And that was when I saw you.
You were wringing the blanket, which I guess had fallen on the wet ground. I planned to scream and hit you, but I didnt. You were so focused on drying that damn blanket that you did not see me standing a meter away from you until you looked up. You had a look of surprise on your face but it quickly passed. You bridged the gap between us.
"I believe this is yours," you told me, handing me the blanket.
I was about to speak when you cut me off.
" I was walking by when I saw you asleep. I know I sound like a creep right now, but it was on the floor and I just felt like the right thing to do was to stay here for a while until you woke up. You should be careful next time, though. Dozing off at public places is dangerous, especially at this time."
" Dozing off was completely unexpected. Trust me." I kept my head down. " I just was waiting fro the rain to stop, and click-it happened. Thank you, though."
"Hey," you told me, "It's no big deal. I just didnt want you to get hurt. "
I looked up, giving you a small smile.When I did, that was when I really looked at you. My heart faltered a bit and I felt a blush stain my cheek.
I quickly averted my gaze. "Uhm, I better be going."
"Yeah, me too," you said, scratching the back of your neck. "Be safe."
"Same to you," I responded, not able to meet your eye. You began walking when I remembered something.
"Wait!" I shouted at your retreating figure. You halted and turned around. "Take this," I said, handing you a dollar bill.
You shook your head and simply said, " I didn't do it expecting anything. Anyway, if you ever feel drowsy next time, try counting the stars. They'll keep you awake."
You turned around and walked away.
I did try to count the stars on my way home that night. But I wouldn't have lost count if thoughts of you haven't plagued my mind.
