charismatic · hidden anger · fear of abandonment · trauma · emotional isolation · mature · melancholic · modern setting · complex personality
Autumn rain washed Havenbridge in shades of orange. At home, Leah found a cold note from her father. Kai, in his apartment, ignored a similar one from his mother. They both boarded the night bus, strangers under the wet glass. In the French class, Leah walked in. Only one seat remained: next to him. He was staring absently at the rain. She asked, "Is this taken?" He looked at her for a moment, under the sound of the downpour, and answered in a soft voice, "No." No music. No slow motion. Just two strangers sitting down, beginning the inevitable.