Through the weather

Freezing wind

It was a cold, quiet, and heavy morning—filled with nothing but silence. Only the sound of the rain tapping against the outside world could be heard. I turned my head to the side, to the window beside my bed. Raindrops were slowly streaming down the sliding glass of my apartment window.

I live alone in this small apartment in the city. I'm a writer. I often take morning walks to clear my head, to think about what to write next.

This morning, I found myself wondering again—what should I write for the new story I'm working on? Hmm… maybe something about the weather. What if I write about summer? How people live during the dry season… Maybe it would be beautiful to write about the sun shining again. I wonder how people would feel if the sun finally returned.

But… that’s impossible, isn’t it?

With the sky covered in thick clouds, it’s hard to believe the sun could break through.

I pushed the blanket aside and placed my feet on the floor. The coldness of the tiles made me pull my feet back—it was freezing. It felt like I stepped on ice. Still, I reached for my slippers and slid them on.

I walked to the bathroom and quickly washed my face. I didn’t even bother to take a full shower. It was too cold—I might freeze in place if I stayed in there too long. I grabbed the towel from the side hook and dried my face, then opened my cabinet and pulled out a long-sleeved shirt and pants.

I slid my arms into the sleeves, buttoned the cuffs, and pulled on the black pants I had chosen. Then I grabbed my shoulder bag from my study table. Inside was my small notebook—the one I always bring with me. I write down ideas whenever they come to me: while I’m riding the train, bus, or just walking. Sometimes the smallest sights spark the biggest stories, and I never want to forget them.

I reached for the umbrella hanging on the back of the door. As I turned the doorknob and cracked the door open, a cold gust of wind rushed in and hit my face. I immediately shut it again. The chill made me shiver.

But I had no choice.

I had to step out, even if it was raining and freezing. Life in this city doesn’t stop for the weather.

With a deep sigh, I opened the door again. This time, I didn’t flinch. I opened my umbrella. The drops of rain tapped gently on its surface. I looked up at the sky—dark, clouded, not even a hint of sunlight.

Suddenly, a cat rubbed itself against my leg.

I looked down.

She was soaking wet, curling herself around my pants like she was begging for affection—or more likely, food. I already knew why. She was used to me feeding her when I could.

“Sorry, Ming... I’ve got nothing right now. But I’ll feed you later, okay?” I told her gently.

I kept walking. No destination in mind. Just wandering the sidewalks, umbrella in hand, head down, thinking of how to start my story. I didn’t notice the car speeding by until it splashed a huge puddle all over my pants and part of my shirt.

I sighed.

Disappointed, I stepped into the nearest bus stop to take cover.

"Ugh. Just my luck," I muttered.

Then I felt a tug on my shirt.

I turned and saw a boy—probably ten years old—holding the hand of a smaller child, maybe seven. She was hiding behind him.

"Kuya, do you have any extra change? Just for food... We haven’t had breakfast yet,” he said, raising his hand.

I froze for a moment.

Where were their parents? Why were these kids wandering the streets in this rain?

I reached into my pocket. My fingers found some coins—about twenty pesos, not much. I handed them over. He quickly took them and slipped them into a small scrap of cloth tied like a pouch—his wallet, I guessed. A few other coins clinked inside.

"Thank you, Kuya!" he said with a smile.

The little girl hesitated, but after a quick glance from her brother, she quietly whispered her thanks too. Then they walked away.

Only then did I notice the sack they carried, likely filled with recyclable trash they’d try to sell to the junk shop.

Not long after, a bus arrived and unloaded passengers. The once-empty stop suddenly became crowded with people. I decided to walk away rather than squeeze in.

As I passed by an old, abandoned construction site, something caught my eye.

A beam of sunlight—real sunlight—pierced through the clouds.

I stepped through a small opening in the metal fence, drawn toward the light. As I approached, I saw it clearly: the sunlight was shining down on a single, large stone shaped like a stair or pedestal.

I dropped my umbrella.

“Is this real…? Actual sunlight?” I whispered, a smile curling at my lips.

It didn’t make sense. The rain hadn’t stopped all morning. The sky had been pitch-dark.

But here, right now, there was light.

I stepped onto the stone.

And everything stopped.

The rain froze midair, drops suspended like tiny crystals. The world around me fell silent. My breath caught in my throat.

I reached out and touched one of the floating droplets. It vanished instantly.

Then—whoosh.

A powerful wind swept across my face, carrying a flurry of leaves. I closed my eyes.

When I opened them, I was no longer in the city.

No rain. No buildings. Just clear skies and golden light.

I was standing on a grassy hill, surrounded by flowers swaying gently in the breeze. The sunlight bathed everything in warmth. It was beautiful. Unbelievably beautiful.

I stood there in awe, trying to understand what was happening.

Then—

My phone rang.

The scene around me shattered. The clouds returned. The rain poured again.

Back to reality.

I grabbed my umbrella off the ground and answered the call.

“Hello, Jul… Where are you? I’ve been waiting at the spot we agreed on,” the voice said.

“Sorry, I’m on my way. I’ll be there in five minutes.”

I stepped out of the construction site, still confused.

What did I just see? Was that real?

Or was it all in my imagination?

I didn’t have answers. Just questions.

And something inside me told me... that this was only the beginning.