After work, Lucy didn't even care to get a taxi.
The rain started falling heavily, soaking her within seconds.
She kept walking, like a lost child, her steps slow and unsteady.
Tears streamed down her face.
She didn't know what to do.
What if I get arrested? What will happen to my family?
The cold settled deep into her body, making her shiver.
Her vision blurred.
She was about to fall—
When a strong arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her back.
Lucy gasped.
She didn't even know who it was.
Her tears came faster.
"Please… let me go… I didn't take it… I didn't do anything… I'm just an ordinary girl, please…"
He didn't say anything.
He just held her steady and took her to a nearby shop, letting her calm down.
After a while, her breathing slowly steadied.
She wiped her face and looked up—
Then froze.
It was him.
The man from the park.
Her expression hardened immediately.
"Stay out of my way," she said, warning him.
He didn't buy it.
He just stood there, watching her.
Lucy turned and tried to walk out of the shop, even though the rain was still falling heavily.
Before she could go far, he grabbed her.
In one smooth motion, he lifted her into his arms.
"Let me go!" she said, struggling, trying to get down.
But he was way too strong.
He carried her straight to his car.
Opened the door.
Sat her down.
And put on the seatbelt.
Lucy was too shocked to even speak.
He closed the door, walked around, and got into the driver's seat.
The car moved.
After a while, he spoke.
"What's your address?"
Lucy didn't respond.
He asked again.
She turned to him.
"You took a stranger in your car without knowing where that person lives."
He looked at her calmly.
"You are not a stranger. I have seen you twice. And now."
Lucy just looked at him and sighed.
"You better stop me here. I can take care of myself. Or are you thinking of beating me up like you always do to others?"
He just smiled.
"Since you are not going to tell me your address, I'm taking you to my house."
Her heart skipped.
"What did you just say?"
He didn't repeat himself.
They stayed quiet for some time.
The rain hitting the car loudly.
Lucy watched him.
He was serious.
Finally, she gave in and told him.
He just chuckled.
He drove her to her house.
Lucy came down without saying anything.
Her mother was outside, trying to pick something while avoiding the rain touching her.
She looked up and saw Lucy coming with an umbrella.
He came out of the car and followed her.
Lucy turned.
"What are you doing?"
He just smiled.
Lucy looked up.
"Oh… your umbrella. Hold on, when I get there I will give it to you."
She started walking.
When she reached the corridor, she greeted her mother.
"Mom."
Her mother responded warmly.
Lucy handed the umbrella back to him.
He smiled.
"You can keep it," she said.
She gave a light bow.
Her mother smiled sweetly. "Thank you for bringing her home safe."
Her mother looked at him again and said,
"Lucy, your boyfriend looks so handsome."
Lucy almost yelled.
"No way, Mom! He can never be my boyfriend!"
He just smiled.
"Oh my dear, get out of the rain. Come inside, let me make hot soup for you," her mother said.
"No thank you ma, I'm good. I just wanted to make sure she was okay," he replied.
Lucy said quickly, "Better for you."
Her mother slapped her cheek playfully.
"Be nice, Lucy. He is a caring man. You have to thank him for helping you out."
"Mom, I didn't ask him to help," Lucy said and walked inside.
"I'm so sorry for her behavior," her mother said politely. "And what is your name, young man?"
"My name is Jurbe, ma."
"That's a nice name. Please, can you come by on Sunday? I need to say a proper thank you."
"No problem, ma. I will surely come."
With that, he left.