The One She Didn't See Coming

Aila's POV

21:10

Drip Drip Drop

"Where did who go?"

I hear someone behind me despite the heavy rain. Great! First, I couldn't find Lala Mamay then this rain just won't stop ruining my mood and right now, some stranger is approaching me.

Tip Tap Tip Tap Tip

I could hear his footsteps getting closer and closer to me.

"Hello? Is everything all right?"

The stranger asked yet again.

Tip Tap Tip

I'm scared that something bad might happen. I tightened my grip on the umbrella, slowly closing it as I turned around to smack the lights off of the stranger

But then---

"Wait! it's me!"

What? This voice...

Where did I hear it before?

Curious to know, I opened my eyes. The stranger grabbed the umbrella with his right hand while the other hand is on my shoulder.

It's him.

Drip Drip Drop

"Hey, fancy seeing you again." He greeted me with a smile. Then, he carefully let go of the umbrella and my shoulder

"So, are you alright?"

He asked for the third time.

And just like that.

The tears I tried so hard holding back fell through my cheeks like how the rain kept on pouring down.

"No, I'm not alright."

I replied, my voice was cracked. I don't care anymore. I just want to find Lala Mamay.

"You're really not alright, here take this."

He said as he took something from his bag. A red handkerchief with a letter 'R' embroidered on it by the corner.

"Thank you, Herbert."

I took the handkerchief and wiped my tears off my face.

"You're welcome, Aila."

Drip Drip Drop

I told Herbert what happened about Lala Mamay being missing and for some reason, this heavy feeling I have ever since she got missing somehow does not feel heavier than it was earlier. I wonder why is that?