The rain came pouring down, chasing me down the street until I dashed toward an open café. I ran through the door, dripping and breathless, glad to escape the sky's cold temper.
But then—I froze.
Behind the counter stood an angel in a beautiful red dress. She smiled at me, her voice soft and bright.
"You're lucky to have reached here in time. A few seconds later and you'd be soaked."
That smile—warm, kind, and impossibly radiant—struck me harder than the rain ever could. For a moment, I forgot where I was. The raindrops still clung to my hair as I stood at the door like a fool.
"Please, come inside," she said again.
I obeyed, though my eyes couldn't leave her face. Her smile lit up the small café, and I thought to myself, this goddess of beauty has awakened the god of love in my heart.
She stretched out her hand to greet me. "Hi, I'm—"
Before she could finish, a voice called out, "Honey! I've been looking all over for you."
A tall man walked in, wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and smiled.
My heart sank. She's married.
Rain mixed with tears on my cheeks as I watched the two of them. He said, "You look beautiful, love. That red dress and your golden smile could take a man's breath away."
She laughed softly. "You're such a handsome gentleman. You're my greatest blessing, my whole world."
I stood there, dying quietly inside from their sweetness—until the man finally noticed me.
"Honey, who's your friend?"
The woman turned, smiling apologetically. "Oh! Sorry. This is my sweetest, best daddy in the world."
Daddy? My heart started beating again.
I quickly smiled. "Good day, sir. I'm Henry."
The man shook my hand. "Nice to meet you, Henry. I'm Michael, and this beautiful lady is my daughter, Treasure."
When he said her name, I couldn't help blurting, "Indeed, she's a great treasure."
Mr. Michael leaned closer and whispered playfully, "Don't steal my Treasure with your eyes." Then he laughed loudly, leaving me embarrassed.
Treasure frowned, half smiling. "Daddy, what did you say to him?"
He chuckled. "My love is like a ship without a pirate."
Treasure grinned. "Then I'll be the pirate who sails you through the ocean, Daddy."
Michael smiled proudly. "You'll always be my greatest treasure. See you tonight, my princess."
Treasure waved. "Take care, greatest king. Don't forget I love you!"
I couldn't help smiling at the warmth between them.
Then she turned to me. "Sorry again for the delay. Welcome to our café, Mr. Henry. What can I get you?"
"Tea, please," I said, trying to sound calm though my heart was racing.
She brought it over with that same dazzling smile. I sipped slowly, not because I loved the tea, but because I wanted to stay.
Inside, I whispered a quiet prayer: God, please let this rain continue forever.
And it seemed He listened—the rain kept pouring down.
As Treasure moved between tables, her red dress flowing with each step, I watched her like a man under a spell.
When she came back, she asked gently, "Do you need anything else, Mr. Henry?"
I smiled. "Nothing, Treasure. Just the bill, please."
She shook her head. "The tea's on the house."
I was surprised. "Thank you."
"The rain has stopped," she said softly.
I turned toward the window and almost sighed in disappointment. Why now, Lord?
Still, I smiled politely. "Thanks again, Treasure."
As I stepped out into the calm, washed street, I realized I hadn't asked for her number.
And for the first time that day, I wished the rain would return.
---
🌧️ Weekend Encounter
It was the weekend. After my morning workout, I went to the shop to buy a snack.
As I turned to leave, there she was again — walking past me like a scene from a dream.
"Is this not her daddy's Treasure?" I called out playfully.
She turned, smiled, and said, "Hello, Mr. Henry! Nice to see you again."
She remembered my name — my heart skipped.
"What's beauty doing under the sun without an umbrella?" I teased.
She laughed. "You could become my umbrella, Mr. Henry."
I smiled back. I'd love to be more than that, I thought.
"How have you been, Treasure?"
"I'm fine," she said.
We walked together for a while. Then I asked, "Can I ask a favor?"
"Sure," she replied.
"Can I take you out on a date?"
She smiled. "Depends on when."
"Sunday evening," I said quickly, praying she'd agree.
"Okay," she said softly. "It's a deal."
"But I don't have your number or address," I said.
"Just give me the location," she replied. "I'll be there."
"Alright then — the Brown Restaurant."
She smiled and shook my hand. "See you there."
As she walked away, I couldn't help but thank God for that second rain — the one that led me to Treasure.
Did you enjoy this chapter? Leave a like or comment to share your thoughts!