Just then, a flashlight beam shone through, and we heard a voice from outside, “Who’s there?”
Steve couldn’t help rolling his eyes. I burst into laughter in the passenger seat, and Steve reached over and playfully tapped my forehead. He rolled down the car window and politely replied, “We came from the county town for a trip, and our car broke down here.”
I finally got a clear look at the person; he was an elderly man in his sixties, with weathered lines carved into his face by the elements. He held an umbrella and, braving the wind and rain, walked over to our car.
“Car trouble? With such heavy rain, it’s dangerous for you to stay here. My home is just up ahead. How about you two come to my place for the night?” he suggested.
Steve turned to me for my opinion, and after carefully examining the elderly man’s face, I hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement.
Steve took out the only umbrella in the car, which covered mostly my head. He embraced me and wrapped me tightly in his coat to make sure I stayed dry. Only then did he follow the elderly man his home.
toward
“Here, the weather changes rapidly. People always carry umbrellas when they go out during the day, and it’s best not to go out at night,” the elderly man explained as he led the way.
No wonder, when we had arrived, the sky was clear, but in no time, it started pouring rain.
When we reached the elderly man’s house, his wife warmly welcomed us, and the elderly couple happily hosted the two of us for the night.
“You two have a seat; I’ll go find some clean clothes for this young man. It’s pouring rain, and wearing wet clothes can lead to catching a cold,” the elderly lady said and then went inside.
