A Serenade in the Rain

The city streets glistened under a steady rain, the kind that soaked through clothes but carried a quiet sort of romance. Natalie hurried along the cobblestone path, clutching an umbrella that did little to shield her from the drizzle. Her breath puffed in white clouds as she muttered under her breath.

“I can’t believe I’m doing this.”

She stopped outside a small café, its windows glowing warmly. Inside, a familiar figure sat by the piano, his dark hair a little longer than she remembered, his fingers dancing effortlessly over the keys. The melody he played was soft and melancholy, weaving through the chatter of the patrons.

For a moment, Natalie froze. Two years had passed since she’d last seen Ryan. Two years since they had ended things, not because they didn’t love each other, but because life had pulled them in different directions. Yet here he was, like a memory brought to life.

Gathering her courage, she stepped inside. The bell above the door jingled softly, and Ryan’s fingers faltered for a split second. He glanced up, his eyes meeting hers. Surprise flashed across his face, followed by something softer—warmer.

“Natalie,” he said, his voice almost drowned by the rain outside. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“I heard you were playing tonight,” she replied, walking closer. “I wasn’t sure if it was true.”

He gave a small laugh, his hands resting on the piano keys. “It’s true. Though I didn’t think you’d ever want to hear me play again.”

She winced, her heart twisting. “Ryan, I never stopped wanting to hear you play. I just… I didn’t know how to come back.”

Ryan studied her for a moment, the silence between them filled with unsaid words. Finally, he stood, motioning to a chair nearby. “Sit. Let’s talk.”

Natalie hesitated but then took a seat. The warmth of the café wrapped around her, though her heart still beat unsteadily. “I know I hurt you when I left,” she began. “But I thought it was what we both needed. I thought I needed to chase my career, and you needed to focus on your music.”

“And did it work?” he asked softly, leaning forward. His gaze was steady, searching.

She shook her head. “No. I got the promotion, moved to the city, but… it wasn’t enough. Every success felt empty without you.”

Ryan’s lips quirked in a half-smile. “I missed you, too. Every song I wrote, I hoped you’d somehow hear it. That you’d know I was thinking about you.”

Natalie’s eyes filled with tears, her voice breaking. “Ryan, I made a mistake. I don’t want to live without you anymore.”

He reached across the table, taking her hand. His touch was warm, grounding her. “I’m glad you came tonight. I’ve been waiting for a sign.”

The café fell away as they locked eyes, the rain tapping gently against the windows. Ryan smiled, his thumb brushing over her knuckles.

“Stay,” he said softly.

Natalie nodded, her heart lighter than it had been in years. “I’m not going anywhere.”