I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT YOU.
“I hate it!” The thought echoed through Anna’s mind. “I hate myself!”
Anna rushed along the pavement, oblivious to her surroundings. It was raining. The rain wasn’t just pouring down on the streets and buildings; it had seeped into her soul, dictating its own rules. The rain’s intention was for her to quickly overcome her shattered illusions, to learn from mistakes, stumble, and rise again. Surely, every woman faces her personal setbacks with difficulty. But who knows? Eventually, the sun will peek through the window, even after the fiercest storm. Everything bad comes to an end, doesn’t it?
The rain wanted to say something to Anna, but she refused to listen. So, like a decision made by a man, it took the matter into its own hands. But we’ll get to that later. “I’ve soaked my feet again! Serves me right!” Anna thought irritably. “I’ll get home and have a warm cup of tea. There’s no rush and no need to hurry,” she mused, her thoughts interrupted by the prolonged cry of a kitten.
“Oh! Who’s there?” Anna jumped to the side. Under a bush near her house sat a small grey kitten, mewing sadly. She might have walked past it before—after all, why bother with stray cats? But not today.
“Come on, little one. You’re as miserable as I am. We’ll feel better together,” she said, holding the shivering tiny body close.
“Meet our accountant,” announced the head of the firm where Anna worked, ushering in the new employee. Anna caught his eye immediately. It was a wordless exchange, for her eyes could reveal what words might prefer to conceal. His eyes were grey, a detail she noticed later, though she neither discerned their color nor depth initially. She felt as if she were gazing into a mirror, her reflection staring back. His face? She couldn’t recall. Just those eyes. Anna felt as though she were speeding in a boat upriver without oars, chilled and flushed all at once. Her lips were parched.
“Hello! I’m Anna Palmer. We’ll be sharing an office,” she said softly.
“Owen Smith,” he introduced himself, a graduate of a cadet corps. His voice! It was something extraordinary. Anna’s eyelashes and even her knees trembled. It tickled her cheeks, her nose, and reached her heart, settling there. Her thoughts spoke to her in his voice. When Owen talked to her, a smile formed on her lips, though she would later chide herself for it.
“I’m behaving like a schoolgirl around Owen,” she thought, her cheeks flushing.
But today, Anna submitted her resignation, surprising her boss greatly. She gathered her belongings, some papers and pens, and left the office without looking back. For good…
“Oh, those eyes!” thought Owen as he stepped into the office. He saw nothing but her eyes; the room seemed empty of everyone else. They were alone, just him and Anna. He willed himself not to drown in those enchanting eyes. But…her eyes were extraordinary! Like two bright beacons full of kindness, attentive and familiar, open and bright. No! No, I won’t think about it, Owen decided…
And so, their working days began…
When Owen and Anna occasionally brushed each other’s fingers, it felt as if an electric current passed through their hands. Anna would quickly pull hers away. His touch sent warmth coursing through her, a fire she feared. Owen noticed and tried not to make her uncomfortable, yet he longed to touch her.
Once, taking hold of the mouse, Owen accidentally brushed against her pinky, startling him so much he gasped.
“I hope Anna didn’t notice,” he thought, retracting his hand. He knew that when his hand touched hers, his whole body ignited, rendering him speechless.
Owen mirrored Anna’s thoughts, actions, and aspirations. Anna could foresee his words because they echoed her own. She sensed his gaze, even when he wasn’t looking. Anna could read his thoughts, feel him with every fiber of her being. She always recognized when his number appeared on her phone. How? She saw with her heart, not just her eyes, and listened with her soul, not just her ears.
Owen instantly recognized Anna as his kindred spirit. His eyes decoded her desires. Her words flowed from his thoughts. He anticipated her moves, understanding her with just a glance. When Anna lowered her eyes, he sensed her embarrassment and felt self-conscious himself. Why? He had no answer to this. Around her, he felt youthful and playful.
His rugged palm could feel her delicate, slender fingers. Owen yearned to hold her hand forever, yet he feared.
They touched more than just hands—they touched hearts. It was a sign that they were so alike. Owen and Anna were soulmates to each other…
Three years passed. Owen never took the first step. Anna waited. He feared change—what if it didn’t work out? Could closeness end in shattered dreams and hopes? After all, they each had their own baggage.
Feeding the kitten, Anna gazed out the window. The rain persisted. Puddles on the pavement bubbled. Anna didn’t want to think of anything.
“Tomorrow will bring a new day and its own concerns,” she decided. That evening, clad in her favorite pink onesie and stroking the content kitten, Anna dozed off.
A doorbell noise snapped her awake. Cradling the kitten, she shuffled to the door, already knowing who was there.
“Anna Palmer, I know you’re home. Please open the door!” came the familiar voice.
Opening the door, Anna saw Owen. “Oh, you’re not alone? May I join your little gathering?” he asked, noticeably nervous. Anna remained silent.
“I can’t live without you! Do you hear me? Why did you leave? I’m miserable without you, and I know you feel the same. We’re not twenty anymore. I want to embrace not just your waist but your thoughts. I want to be with you. I’m sorry I didn’t say so sooner,” Owen added after a pause. He was her man. She was his woman. Their hands entwined.
What will happen next?
I believe everything will turn out well, because after every dark sky, there’s always a clear one, isn’t there?
Perhaps we should thank the rain for this happy ending. After all, it was the rain that helped unite two hearts.
