A Stormy Encounter
Episode 1: A Stormy Encounter
A woman is standing in front of her window as tears flow down to her cheeks
Thalia
I CAN'T DO THIS ANYMORE!
The rain pounded against Thalia's window as lightning streaked across the dark sky. The storm outside matched the tempest within her heart.
Thalia
WHAT'S EVEN THE POINT OF ALL THIS?!
Her voice merged with the howling wind, carrying her anguish far into the night.
Thalia
YOU TOOK MY FATHER AWAY FROM ME!
Thalia
HE'S THE ONLY ONE THAT I HAVE!
Thalia
WHAT HAVE I DONE WRONG?!
？？？
(shouting) Hey! Could you keep it down? Some of us are trying to get some sleep here!
Thalia spun around to see a man standing on a neighboring rooftop, his drenched clothes clinging to him.
Thalia
(shouting) Who are you?
？？？
(shouting) Just a guy who's trying to get some sleep, which seems impossible with your screaming!
Thalia
(shouting) Sorry, didn't realize I was ruining your beauty sleep!
The man shot her a look of disbelief, clearly taken aback by her retort.
？？？
(shouting) Beauty sleep? Lady, I'm just trying not to drown up here!
Thalia
(screaming) Well, misery loves company, right?
？？？
(shouting) Look, if you're having a meltdown, at least make it quieter. Some of us are trying to be miserable in peace!
Thalia
(shouting) Ugh, fine! Go back to your rooftop, grumpy neighbor!
Thalia's laughter echoed through the rain-soaked rooftop. Despite the storm and the unexpected encounter, a sliver of amusement had found its way into her heart.
Thalia
(shouting) Shouting therapy, huh? Who knew?
？？？
(shouting) Yeah, well, it's a new wellness trend. Rain included!
Thalia shook her head, raindrops splattering around her.
Thalia
(shouting) You're a strange one, aren't you?
The man shrugged, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips.
？？？
(shouting) Strange is the new normal, haven't you heard?
A bolt of lightning illuminated the scene, casting an eerie glow on their rooftop meeting.
？？？
(shouting) So, what's your deal, Miss Shouty?
Thalia
(shouting) You ask a lot of questions for someone who crashed my therapy session!
He chuckled, the sound mixing with the sound of raindrops hitting surfaces.
？？？
(shouting) Consider me your rooftop therapist then. Unlicensed, but enthusiastic.
Thalia
(shouting) Great, now I have a life coach from the rooftops.
They stood there, two strangers brought together by a storm and their shared rooftop retreat.
？？？
(shouting) You know, sometimes the best way to deal with life's mess is to shout back at it.
Thalia
(shouting) And here I thought I was just letting off steam.
A roll of thunder punctuated their exchange, a punctuation mark to their rooftop banter.
？？？
(shouting) You're not alone up here, you know. We all have our own battles.
Thalia felt a surge of something akin to understanding. It was strange, but there was a connection forming between them amidst the chaos.
Thalia
(shouting) Maybe it's time I start winning some battles.
The rain showed no sign of stopping, but the tension in the air had shifted. Thalia found herself smiling, a glimmer of hope returning to her eyes.
Despite the rummage storm, there's no one stopping her from going to Jaehan's place.
After a few knocks when she arrived, the door swung open, revealing Jaehan standing on the other side. His surprise was evident as he looked at Thalia, who was standing before him, raindrops glistening in her hair.
Jaehan
Thalia? What are you doing here?
Thalia met his gaze, her nerves threatening to overpower her resolve.
Thalia
(nervous) I... I needed to talk.
Jaehan's expression shifted, curiosity can be seen in his eyes.
Thalia stepped inside, the warmth of the apartment enveloping her as she looked around. The familiar surroundings were a stark contrast to the storm outside.
Thalia
(This was a terrible idea.)
They settled in the living room, the silence hanging heavy between them for a moment.
Jaehan
(tentative) So, what's on your mind?
Thalia took a deep breath, her heart pounding against her chest.
Thalia
*sighs* (Maybe it's best if I shouldn't tell him, I wouldn't want to be another burden to him)
Thalia
(nervous) It's nothing, really. I... I just wanted to see how you're doing.
Jaehan's brow furrowed, a hint of confusion in his eyes.
Jaehan
Ali, you don't usually show up unannounced. Is something bothering you?
Thalia
(forcing a smile) No, no, everything's fine. Just... worried about the storm and all.
Jaehan
(concerned) Why are you soaked and wet, then?
Thalia felt a blush creep onto her cheeks, her attempt at nonchalance crumbling.
Thalia
(stammering) Oh, uh, I got caught in the rain on my way here.
Jaehan's gaze held hers, his concern deepening.
Jaehan
Ali, you're shivering. You should get out of those wet clothes before you catch a cold.
Thalia's heart raced as she felt his genuine worry, and she nodded.
Thalia
(nervous) Yeah, you're right. Sorry for barging in like this.
Jaehan
(gentle) No need to apologize. Make yourself comfortable.
As Thalia headed to the bathroom to change, her mind raced with a mix of emotions. The weight of her hidden feelings seemed to be heavier than before.
Comments
lithia
woah.. this is a very interesting start. The start was revised a bit, character profiles have changed.. very interesting in a great way
2023-08-26
1
lithia
we had a very similar start in my chat story "she's a miracle" anyway, looking forward to this!!
2023-08-22
0