Chapter 21

Evening brought a sudden downpour. Maya was brewing coffee in the kitchen when thunder roared outside and raindrops hammered against the windows. She had just closed the windows when urgent knocking came from the front door. "Who is it?" She opened the door to find Daniel standing outside, completely soaked, clutching something in his arms. "Come in quickly!" She stepped aside to let him enter. Daniel hurried inside and carefully opened his jacket, revealing a tiny white kitten curled up in his arms. It was trembling. "Found it at the end of the alley. It almost got swept away by the water." His voice was low, tinged with concern. Maya immediately grabbed a towel and gently wrapped the kitten. "Let's dry it off first. I'll get the hair dryer." As she turned to leave, Daniel caught her wrist. "Your hair's wet too." He frowned, reaching up to brush rainwater from her shoulder. They were standing close. Maya could smell the faint scent of rain on him, mixed with a hint of clean pi