**Chapter 1 – A Rainy Beginning**
On a rainy day, in the library, a young lady was reading a novel.
She suddenly looked at the window and felt surprised.
She didn't know it was raining because she was fully focused on her book.
She looked down at the novel and whispered,
"I will read you next Saturday."
She smiled softly.
She walked out of the library and stood under the pillar.
It was raining heavily, and she didn't have an umbrella.
She waited for a few minutes. When the rain became lighter, she ran, holding her bag over her head.
She reached the bus station and stood there quietly.
She looked at her wet clothes and said sadly,
"It's wet…"
She tried to brush away a few drops of water.
Then she noticed a boy standing there, also waiting for the bus.
She looked at him for a second and then turned away.
Suddenly, she sneezed.
Then she sneezed again.
She searched for a handkerchief but realized she hadn't brought one.
The boy noticed her and walked toward her.
He gently offered her a tissue.
"Little girl, take this."
"It's okay, brother," she said softly.
"Take it," he said again.
He gently held her hand and placed the tissue in it.
He smiled warmly.
She smiled too.
"Thank you so much, brother. May God bless you."
She looked at him again.
Her heart smiled suddenly, but she didn't show it.
She only gave a simple smile.
He asked softly,
"What is your name?"
"My name is Lucy."
He smiled.
"A very beautiful and simple name."
"Thank you, brother. And your name?"
"Jack… Jackson."
"Nice name."
"Thank you."
At that moment, the bus arrived.
"Are you waiting for the bus?" he asked in his calm, deep voice.
"Yes."
"Come, let's go together."
"Okay."
---
### 🌸 At Home
Lucy ran into her house happily.
She lived only with her grandmother.
Her parents had passed away in an accident.
"Lucy!" her grandmother called.
"Yes, Grandma," Lucy replied from the kitchen.
"Come here."
Lucy walked toward her.
"Sit," her grandmother said, pointing to the chair.
"Grandma is not feeling well today. You will have to go to the store tonight."
Lucy touched her grandmother's forehead, then her own.
Her face filled with panic.
"It's very hot, Grandma."
She helped her grandmother lie down on the bed.
"I'll go to the store later. Please sleep. I'll bring cold water."
She cleaned her grandmother gently, made soup, and fed her.
Soon, her grandmother fell asleep peacefully.
The sky outside was full of grey clouds.
At night, Lucy said softly,
"Grandma, I'm going to the store. Take care."
She closed the door carefully and walked to the store, holding an umbrella.
---
### 🌙 At the Store
Lucy sat on the chair quietly.
Suddenly, she remembered someone.
She smiled shyly and thought,
"His eyes… his smile… his kindness.
Is this love?
Am I falling in love?"
She laughed softly at herself.
The store was in town.
Two boys entered happily.
Lucy looked at the door and felt surprised—and happy—in her heart.
One boy went inside to choose snacks.
The other looked at her and said,
"Lucy, we want to buy something."
"Okay, Brother Wilson," she said.
"Take this basket."
Wilson took the basket and walked toward his friend.
Suddenly, another boy walked toward Lucy.
"Lucy!" he said loudly.
She felt scared but didn't show it.
"Give me my answer," he shouted.
"I said I love you."
Without thinking, Lucy slapped him.
She looked at her hand in shock… then at his face.
He shouted angrily.
Lucy's eyes filled with tears, but she didn't look at him.
He raised his hand to slap her—
But a strong hand stopped him.
Lucy looked up and whispered,
"Brother…"
The boy held Jay's hand tightly, anger in his eyes.
Wilson rushed forward to stop them,
but the boy grabbed Jay by the collar and stared at him fiercely.