Chapter 21
Evening brought a sudden downpour. Maya was brewing coffee in the kitchen when thunder roared outside and raindrops hammered against the windows. She had just closed the windows when urgent knocking came from the front door.
“Who is it?” She opened the door to find Daniel standing outside, completely soaked, clutching something in his arms.
“Come in quickly!” She stepped aside to let him enter.
Daniel hurried inside and carefully opened his jacket, revealing a tiny white kitten curled up in his arms. It was trembling.
“Found it at the end of the alley. It almost got swept away by the water.” His voice was low, tinged with concern.
Maya immediately grabbed a towel and gently wrapped the kitten. “Let’s dry it off first. I’ll get the hair dryer.”
As she turned to leave, Daniel caught her wrist.
“Your hair’s wet too.” He frowned, reaching up to brush rainwater from her shoulder.
They were standing close. Maya could smell the faint scent of rain on him, mixed with a hint of clean pine. Her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively stepped back.
Daniel dropped his hand and cleared his throat softly. “Let’s take care of the cat first.”
“Right.” She looked down, her ears growing warm.
Maya sat on the living room carpet, gently stroking the kitten’s head. It had fallen asleep, its tiny body rising and falling with each breath.
Daniel approached with two cups of warm milk, handing her one. “Not going to bed yet?”
“I’ll stay with it a little longer.” She accepted the milk, the cup warm against her fingertips.
Daniel sat beside her. After a moment of silence, he suddenly spoke. “Maya.”
“What is it?”
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