Optimistically Cynical: A Short Story Compilation- 1

CAUGHT OUT IN THE RAIN

I had been trapped in the gazebo the whole afternoon. Having come out only for a relaxing spot of tea and cake, I was enjoying myself, when all at once it started to pour. Funny, I don't remember a single cloud in the clear, pleasant sky.

What could I do but wait out the storm as I nurse the dwindling supply of tea. I had just brought the cup to my lips when a shadow catches the corner of my eye. I slowly set my beverage down on the glass table and stand from my place.

With a hand over my eyes I lean out to get a better look, but stay within the confines of the shelter. All the while, the shadow continues its approach, revealing a little of itself with each step it takes.

No more than a few feet from the shelter, the most crucial piece, which had hidden the face, falls away. My heart beats faster as it climbs upward to my throat, while a sweat breaks out all over my body. I back away as my eyes grows wide, and I'm forced to brace myself against the railing I back into. I have no more ground to retreat to and my body slides to the floor.

I watch as the now identifiable shadow slowly climbs the stairs and crosses the floor, stopping just in front of me. My eyes never move from the face; they don't dare. Could it really be him? Had he really come back to me?

From my seated position I reach out my hand; he takes it without hesitation, raising me from my place while I stare into his bright, green eyes. He smiles at me in a way only he knows how.

I simply can't believe what I'm seeing. This can't be possible, and yet it's happening all the same. I'm completely fazed by the scenario, but he's not. Then, he never was. Not my rock. There was no force that could break him, except...

My thoughts leave me as I feel him begin to sway, while he leads me into a dance. At first it's awkward, but with every step I can hear the music and I dance along with it, while I melt in his embrace.

We move as one, our steps finding the right place as our bodies sway to and fro. But it all comes to an abrupt halt. No more motion. No more music. Just a kind of emptiness that consumes me from the inside out. Just like that night.

He never stops smiling, not even as he walks backward so as to watch me the whole time. He makes to leave, but I leap from my place and stop him with a hand on his arm. I look into his face, his handsome, unbroken face.

He says not a word, just clasps my hand, squeezed it, and lets it go. And as he turns to go, the storm finally broke. And he's washed away with the rain drops.