I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT YOU.
– I hate it! – Only one thought echoed in Anna’s mind – I hate it! I hate myself!
Anna ran along the sidewalk, oblivious to everything around her. The rain poured down, not just drenching the streets, sidewalks, and houses, but also seeping into Anna’s soul, dictating its own rules. It seemed to urge her to overcome the collapse of her illusions quickly, then move on – to err, fall, and rise again. It’s true that every woman endures personal failures with difficulty. Yet, who knows? After even the fiercest storm, the sun peeks through the window eventually. Everything bad passes eventually, doesn’t it?
The rain seemed to want to say something to Anna, but she refused to listen. Like a stubborn man, it decided for her. But more on that later.
– Soaked my feet again! Serves me right! – thought Anna irritably.
– I’ll go home and have a cup of hot tea. I have nowhere else to rush to, no reason to – Anna’s sad thoughts were interrupted by a prolonged kitten’s meow.
– Oh! What’s that? – Anna jumped aside.
Under a bush near Anna’s home sat a tiny gray kitten, crying pitifully. In the past, the woman might have walked by – after all, who needs stray cats? But not today.
– Come with me, little one. You’re just as miserable as I am. It’s easier together – she said, holding the trembling little body close…
– Meet our new accountant – said the manager of the firm where Anna worked, ushering in the new employee.
Anna immediately locked eyes with him. It was an introduction through their eyes, as eyes can reveal so much that one might prefer to keep quiet. She realized later that they were gray, but at that moment, she didn’t notice their color, shape, or depth. She felt drawn in. For an instant, Anna thought she was looking in a mirror, seeing her own reflection. His face? She couldn’t remember. Just the eyes. Anna was speeding along in a boat, as if navigating a rushing mountain stream without oars. She felt both hot and cold. Her lips were parched.
– Hello! I’m Anna Pearson! – we’ll be sharing an office – Anna said softly.
– I’m Oliver Smith – a graduate of the cadet college – Oliver introduced himself. His voice. Oh, his voice – it was something incredible! That was the moment Anna truly felt her eyelashes and knees trembling. His voice tickled her cheeks, nostrils, and more! His voice reached Anna’s heart and settled there. Her thoughts echoed with Oliver’s voice. When Oliver spoke to Anna, she couldn’t hold back her smile, for which she later scolded herself.
– I behave around Oliver like a twelve-year-old girl! – she thought, blushing.
But today, Anna submitted her resignation at work, much to her boss’s surprise. She gathered her belongings, some papers, and pens. Without looking back, Anna left the office. Forever….
– What captivating eyes! – thought Oliver Smith, stepping over the office threshold. He saw nothing but her eyes. There wasn’t the manager or his entourage beside him. The room was only the two of them, just him and Anna.
– I have to try not to drown in those eyes. I don’t need that. But…her eyes – they were extraordinary! So large, like two rays of kindness looking at you. So attentive and familiar, bright and open. No! No! I can’t think about that – Oliver decided…
Thus began their daily work routine. Whenever Oliver and Anna accidentally brushed fingers, it was as though an electric current passed through their hands. Anna would pull her hand away. His slightest touch sent warmth coursing through her, which she feared. Oliver noticed and tried not to cause her discomfort, though he longed to touch her.
Once, when reaching for the mouse, Oliver inadvertently touched Anna’s pinky and jolted. He even gasped.
– I hope Anna didn’t notice anything – he thought, withdrawing his hand. He admitted that whenever his hand brushed hers, his whole body felt aflame, and he feared to speak.
Oliver was Anna’s mirror – in thoughts, actions, and aspirations. Anna could predict his words, for his words could easily have been hers. She felt his gaze on her, even when Oliver wasn’t looking her way. Anna read his thoughts. She sensed him with every fiber of her being. Anna unfailingly recognized when he called her mobile. How did she do it? She saw with her heart, not just her eyes, and could listen with her soul, not just her ears.
Oliver immediately recognized Anna as his person. His eyes discerned her desires. Her words were the continuation of his thoughts. He anticipated her every move. One glance and he grasped her understanding.
When Anna would drop her gaze, he’d perceive her embarrassment and feel it too. Why? He didn’t know the answer. In her presence, he felt like a boy, goofing around.
He felt her delicate fingers with his calloused palm. Oliver wanted to hold her hand and never let go, but…he was afraid.
They didn’t just touch hands but hearts. And it was a sign of their profound connection. Oliver and Anna were kindred spirits for each other.
Three years passed. Oliver never took the initiative. Anna waited. Oliver didn’t want to change anything. What if it didn’t work? Would coming together shatter hopes and expectations? After all, each carried their own past.
After feeding the kitten, Anna gazed out the window. The rain wouldn’t stop. Puddles bubbled on the sidewalk. Anna didn’t want to think about anything.
– Tomorrow will bring a new day with new concerns – she decided.
In the evening, wrapped in her favorite pink onesie and stroking the content kitten, now peacefully asleep after a hearty meal, Anna began to drift off.
Through her slumber, she heard a doorbell. Clutching the kitten, Anna padded to the door. She knew who was there and paused.
– Anna Pearson, I know you’re home. Please open the door! – she heard the familiar voice.
Opening the door, Anna saw Oliver.
– Oh, so you’re not alone? Will you let me join you? – asked Oliver, noticeably nervous. Anna stayed silent.
– I can’t be without you! Do you hear me? Why did you leave? I’m miserable without you, and I know you are too. Understand, we’re not in our twenties anymore. I want to embrace not just your waist but your thoughts. I want to be with you. Sorry I didn’t tell you sooner – Oliver added after a pause.
He was her man.
She was his woman.
Their hands intertwined.
What happens next?
I think all will be well for them, for surely after darkness comes light, right?
Should we perhaps thank the rain for a fortunate continuation? After all, wasn’t it the rain that brought two hearts together?
