Whispers In the Rain (Short Story) Closer than I thought

Closer than I thought

Monday arrived with clearer skies and the smell of wet concrete lingering in the air. Ares stood at the train platform, his backpack slung over one shoulder and his fingers clutching the latest letter inside his jacket pocket. He hadn't let go of it since Saturday.

The words replayed in his mind: "I'm no one. Not really. But I see you."

Ares (MC)

How could someone be "no one" and still make him feel like someone? *mutters to himself*

He kept glancing around the train car on his way to campus, heart pounding each time a stranger looked his way.

Ares (MC)

💭 Was it you? Are you watching now?

It was ridiculous. And yet, his chest felt too full to ignore it.

At work, everything felt the same. The customers laughed, walked in pairs, and passed him without a glance as always.

But today, something was different. Today, he was listening. For a voice. For a clue. For a spark of familiarity.

In the evening, The store lights were too bright. The buzz of the old refrigerator hummed in his bones. Everything was normal.

Until he saw the box.

A plain cardboard box sat behind the counter, addressed to Ares.

Ares (MC)

*blinks in confusion*

store manager

Hey *yawns* delivery guy dropped that off earlier to the office. Said it was personal

The manager doesn't seem to care, he just gave the box and left.

Ares (MC)

*He opened it behind the shelves, alone. Inside was a small, simple scarf soft, navy blue, folded perfectly. And tucked inside the folds was a note*

"You always forget to zip up your jacket. I figured this might help. I notice the little things, Ares." •by S

Ares pressed the scarf to his face. It smelled clean. Warm. Maybe like mint soap. His eyes stung. He blinked fast, refusing to let the tears fall while he was still in the store.

Later that night, as he walked home under the streetlights, that scarf wrapped tightly around his neck, he felt it.

Someone brushed past him on the sidewalk.

A man. Just a little taller than him. Hood up. Head down.

Ares (MC)

*turned around and whispered* S?