love at first sight

Another year had passed since the old man's death. It was a rainy night, the kind that carried an air of sadness. Mira sat by the window, listening to the sound of the rain as it pelted against the roof. The loss of the old man still lingered heavily in her heart, like a wound that refused to heal. She often found herself talking to no one in particular, trying to reason with the pain. "After all, death comes for everyone," she muttered to herself.

Darius, noticing her somber expression, approached her gently. "Mama, can I go to the stream to fetch some water? I'll be quick."

Mira hesitated, worry flashing in her eyes. "Darius, be careful. And come back quickly—I don't want to be alone for too long," she said softly.

"I'll be back before you know it, Mama. Just start cooking something for us to eat," Darius replied with a warm smile.

Mira managed a small smile in return. "I'll do that. Don't worry."

Darius placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I know you're tired, Mama. I'm sorry."

Mira's heart ached at his words, but she didn't want to burden him further. "Just go, my son. Be safe," she said, watching as he headed out into the rain.

---

On the path to the stream, Darius came across a girl walking in the same direction. She was beautiful, with hair as dark as night and skin pale as snow. Darius felt his heart skip a beat, but he couldn't summon the courage to say anything. Instead, he walked quietly behind her, his shyness keeping him silent.

When they reached the stream, the girl fetched her water first. Darius lingered nearby, waiting for the right moment to speak. The girl, noticing his hesitation, pretended to struggle with her pot.

Seeing this, Darius rushed to her aid. "It looks like you're tired," he said, his voice gentle. "Let me help you carry it. Where are you going?"

The girl smiled softly. "I don't know the name, but I can give you directions."

Her voice was melodic, and it stirred something deep within Darius. He had never felt this way before, and it left him momentarily speechless. Summoning his courage, he asked, "May I know your name? I can't help a stranger without knowing her name. Besides, you're as beautiful as my mother always says I am."

The girl laughed, her cheeks flushing. "Lyra," she said softly.

Darius's eyes widened. "Lyra? We've met before, haven't we? Years ago, at this very stream. Our parents were talking while we played."

Lyra nodded, her smile growing. "Yes. I remember you. I've often wondered when I'd see you again."

Darius grinned, his heart racing. "I couldn't sleep that night. I stayed up thinking about you. And now, here you are."

They laughed together, the connection between them as natural as if no time had passed. Darius carried her water pot, his own pot forgotten, as they walked back toward her home. Lyra rested her hand lightly on his back, a gesture that made his heart swell.

---

As they approached the direction of their homes, Mira appeared, standing in the distance under the rain. She had grown worried about Darius taking too long and had come to look for him. Her eyes widened when she saw him walking with a girl.

"Darius," she called out, "who's your new friend?"

Darius froze, his face flushing with embarrassment. "Mama, I met her on my way to the stream," he said quickly. "Please don't be mad—I didn't fetch any water."

Mira's expression softened as she saw the nervous look on his face. She smiled knowingly. "I know what happens when it comes to love at first sight," she teased, laughing.

Darius's eyes widened. "Mama!"

Mira chuckled, turning to Lyra. "You've found yourself a fine bride, Darius. And what's your name, my dear?"

"Lyra," the girl replied, her voice respectful. "I'm sorry for keeping him outside. He was only helping me carry water."

Mira waved it off. "It's not a problem. You both will fetch water for me tomorrow—it's too late now. But it's good to see Darius has finally made a friend."

---

That night, after helping Lyra carry her water near her home, Darius returned to Mira, his heart full of joy. Lyra had stopped him from coming too close to her house, shyly insisting he return home instead.

As Darius and Mira walked back together, the boy couldn't stop smiling. For the first time in a long while, he felt a spark of happiness—a light that shone even on a rainy night.