Morning light crept through the windows, muted by a gloomy, rainy sky. The gray clouds seemed to press down on the entire city, and the tapping of raindrops against the glass sounded as if the world were quietly weeping. Tom opened his eyes, blinking at the soft, pale light that washed everything in gentle shades of gray.
"A couple of days off… finally. Maybe I can check off something from that list. Laura mentioned wanting to watch movies. Maybe today? Or tomorrow?"
From the other room came a faint rustling—Laura was waking up too.
"I'll make breakfast. An omelet and coffee… maybe she'll like it."
A few minutes later, Laura's door opened quietly. She stepped out slowly, like a shadow. Her hair was messy, dark circles under her eyes, her gaze hollow—as if the night had drained every trace of life from them.
"Morning…" she whispered, her voice sounding more like a sigh.
Tom turned toward her, his tone gentle and concerned.
"Rough night?"
Laura nodded, her eyes drifting toward the floor.
"Too many thoughts kept creeping in…" Her voice was that of an exhausted child. She walked toward the bathroom, her steps slow, as if she still carried the weight of her past on her shoulders.
Tom thought to himself, "My night wasn't easy either… NovaCure, her uncle… how do I tell her?"
A few minutes later, Laura returned from the bathroom—hair combed, face a little more alive. And then she noticed it. The scent of omelet and coffee had filled the apartment, warm and homely.
Her eyes brightened; her expression softened.
"Tom, you're the best!" she exclaimed with genuine joy. "Oh, that smells amazing! Is it really an omelet?"
Tom looked away, a faint blush rising on his face.
"Nothing special," he mumbled, though inside he felt a quiet satisfaction from her reaction. "Sit down before it gets cold."
They sat together. The warm food, the coffee, and the soft pattering of rain created an unusually cozy atmosphere.
Tom asked, a bit shyly:
"Are you working today? Or tomorrow?"
Laura took a sip of coffee and shook her head.
"Day off today. Tomorrow… not sure. What about you?"
Tom drew a deep breath.
"I'm off too. So… if you don't have plans… maybe today or tomorrow we could watch some movies? You know… do nothing."
Laura smiled so warmly it felt like she lit up the morning gloom.
"I'd really like that! Especially today. Rain, the couch, coffee, movies… perfect."
She glanced at Tom. "What do you suggest?"
A rare smile tugged at Tom's lips.
"First, let's go to the store. We obviously need snacks."
"Oh yes! Lead the way!" Laura declared, pointing dramatically like a commander.
They dressed, grabbed umbrellas, and stepped into the rain. Drops slid down the umbrella edges, and the gentle hush of rainfall wrapped the world in calm.
Tom inhaled the damp air deeply.
"I like the rain. It… washes everything away. Even thoughts."
Laura looked at him, her voice unusually soft.
"And I like it because rain makes you appreciate the sun more."
They paused for a moment, looking at each other, smiling—as if understanding one another more deeply than words allowed.
At the Store
As soon as they stepped inside, they were swallowed by the chaos of sweets and snacks.
"I rarely eat sweets," Tom said, grabbing a shopping cart. "But today I want to try everything."
"Perfect! Onward to the gummy bears!" Laura pointed with enthusiasm. "And the cheese chips!"
The cart filled faster than they could laugh—gummies, chocolates, chips, popcorn, sodas.
"What about wine?" Tom raised a brow.
"Yes! Absolutely."
At the checkout, Laura tried to pay, but Tom quickly said:
"Next time it's your turn."
Laura thought, "I really hope… there will be a next time."
Back Home
They returned home and spread the snacks across the table. Tom said playfully:
"Maybe we should get some pizza too?"
"Okay, but this time I'm paying!" Laura declared, lifting her chin proudly.
While she ordered the pizzas, Tom picked out the movies. When everything was ready, they sat on the couch—not too close, but not far either.
First—a thriller. They watched intently. When it ended, Tom asked:
"How about a horror movie? You scared?"
"Okay," she replied, though excitement flickered in her eyes.
During a couple of the scarier scenes, Laura edged closer to him—her hands trembling slightly. She glanced at him, expecting him to be calm.
But Tom suddenly jumped at a loud sound.
Laura burst out laughing.
Tom frowned.
"It's not scary at all," he grumbled, making his voice deeper.
"Oh, Tom… you're hilarious," she said, laughing so hard she nearly teared up.
He smiled too—rarely, but genuinely.
"Next—a romance," Laura announced.
Tom brought wine and two glasses. They sat again, this time closer. Laura gently leaned against him. Tom slowly, hesitantly, but firmly wrapped his arm around her.
"Let's get comfortable," he said softly.
They stretched out their legs, lying on their sides, pressed together. Tom held her—firmly, but tenderly.
Laura blushed, her heartbeat quickening.
Tom felt her warmth… and was stunned by how strongly he was drawn to it.
Laura thought, "It feels so good… with him all my worries disappear."
Tom thought, "Her warmth… I've never felt anything like this. I don't want it to end."
The wine smelled sweet. The rain continued tapping gently against the window. And the two of them, curled up together, listened to each other's heartbeats—steady, warm, synchronized—until they eventually drifted off to sleep in each other's arms.
The apartment was quiet.
The rain—a lullaby.
And between them—something new growing, something neither of them had ever experienced before.