The morning downpour seemed to drown out the sounds, as if the whole town of Ravenshollow wanted to hide under its own gray curtain. As Mateo Rios hurried down the soggy boulevard, he felt the weight of the day weighing on his ribs. His CV, protected by a simple plastic pouch, was bumping lightly against his chest. He wiped his forehead, although the rain had already soaked him to the bone. It was his fourth interview since the spring, and the last he could afford to fail. Her mother’s medication was almost depleted, her savings had collapsed, and the owner’s warnings grew louder every week.
He remembered his mother gently putting her hand on his cheek at dawn, her voice muffled by years of suffering. « Be yourself. If the world pushes you to cruelty, choose kindness in spite of everything. His words were simple, and yet they resonated with him with a tenacious tenderness.
He quickened his pace as he approached the crossroads, but something caught his eye near a narrow bus shelter. An elderly woman was sitting, her back bent, on the metal bench. His thick burgundy coat was soaked, his knees trembled. People passed her, too busy or too indifferent to stop. She tried to get up, but her legs gave way. Mateo felt his stomach knot.
He looked at the time. If he stopped, he would be late. If he didn’t stop, she would be helpless in the rain.
He took a shaky breath and walked over to her.
« Ma’am, are you hurt? » he asked, leaning over her so she could hear him despite the rain.
Her pale eyes looked up at him. « I felt dizzy. Everything revolved around me. I can’t find my balance. »
Mateo took off his jacket and gently placed it on his shoulders. She was soaked, but it was still better than nothing. « Let me help you get up. Hold on to me. »
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