Chapter 2 Kindness

(DAHLIA POV)

My arm was locked around my grandmother's arm as we walked to the bus stop. The people were quiet, but noticeably in a hurry. Maybe it was because of the foreshadowing of rain.

“Is there a moon today, hija?” Grandma asked me.

“Yes. But unfortunately, the dark clouds are going to hide it. It’s beautiful though, but such a waste. It’s full moon already.” I sighed.

Grandma used to see what I was seeing. But now she doesn't. This is the result of the previous accident she went through.

“I feel like it’s going to rain. The wind is breezy.”

“That’s why you have to take the bus now, Grandma.”

“How about you, Dahlia?”

The traffic light turned green, and we were about to cross when her old hat suddenly got flown away. I suddenly let go of her hand to catch her hat. But I realized, I am so silly to even forget we were in the middle of the road. I stopped chasing her hat.

I tried to run back to her, but the vehicles resumed their travel.

The honking of the cars sounded like a toll of death, and the blinding lights made it worse.

Grandma was left on the road, clueless as to which direction she should walk, and probably just as confused as me. It's too late for me to scream… And my scream is useless.

I was dazzled by the approaching car. No voice really came out of my mouth. The only thing I could do was shut my eyes in guiltiness. I will not forgive myself if something bad happens to Grandma.

Until a strong arm pulled me over and we both fell down. I'll get hit, too, if I don't rescue someone who have the ability to move in this haste situation. His hand curled around my head to keep it from hitting the ground. I am unhurt at what he has done.

I felt my lips press against something soft…

… His lips.

If it wasn’t for him, I could’ve been injured or even dead.

Our gazes met when I opened my eyes. I bet mine was afraid, but his eyes were lonely… or perhaps angry at the world.

My mind was a blank space for a moment, but when I returned to my senses, I immediately looked for Grandma.

“Grandma!”

I was again greeted by the headlights of the car. Makes my eyes hurt a bit. The cars are halted on their operation, due to the accident about to happen if they didn't cooperate. And someone was kind enough to help and walked my grandma to the safer corner.

I took a deep breath as the tears welled up in my eyes. My heart was pounding. I was so scared. My knees lost their strength, but I tried to reach for her.

She doesn’t even know what the situation is. And I even neglected to thank the person who saved me.

“Grandma.”

I hugged her and my tears fell incessantly. I breathe deeply. I am really thankful that we are both safe.

Thank God.

“What happened? Is there a commotion?”

She has no idea; she is about to be fetched from the death angel. Oh snapped it! Don’t think too much.

To what she asked. I didn’t know how to describe it to her.

I faced the man who helped her.

“Thank you. You’re too kind. I don't know how I can repay you for your kindness. I am really thankful.”

He just nodded. He didn’t have the intention to respond back.  Poker face, a perfect word to describe him in this modern world.

I know there is no freedom in this world. But I can’t help it. I don’t have the money to pay for his kindness. Only gratefulness and unstoppable gratitude are the only things I can offer to him.

“Thank you.” I slightly bow to him.

As I lift my gaze to him again, I realize… He saves my grandma in just a blink of an eye. The situation was too crucial. How has he managed to do that?

Although he was wearing a tux, I knew he wasn’t the boss. His face is recognizable as if he is not a local person in this country. A foreigner maybe. I am sure, he didn’t understand what I said a while ago. Whoever was paying someone like him to be that agile. Too lucky boss, he surely is doing his job properly.

He turned around when suddenly there was a sound in his ear. An earpiece for two-way radio, so he can receive instructions from someone. Until he finally walked away from us.

I realized that there were many of them. Men who were scattered around.

It wasn’t safe for Grandma to stay and before we got accosted for causing traffic, I already led Grandma to the other side of the street.

“As the road gets busier, so do accidents. What has happened, hija?”

To what grandma said, I suddenly recalled the man who helped me. I forgot about him.

From where I was standing, I could only see his back. He rolled his white sleeves up and albeit in the distance, I saw his tattoo. A dragon.

“Grandma, stay here. I forgot to do something.” She is safe here.

I once again turned my back on the one who saved me earlier. I need to thank him. I suddenly forgot a while ago to thank him, for fear of what might have happened to Grandma. And surely, it's not my habit not to thank those who help me. This is only my way to show my gratitude. Why can't I thank him?

“Dahlia. Child, you keep ignoring my questions.” Grandma sounds annoyed. I smiled a bit.

“Later Grandma, I will tell you every tiny detail of what happened. For now, let me thanks those who helped us.”

I should have feared the road, considering that I almost died; but I must thank that man no matter what. I traversed the crossing lane on a red light and tried to go to the cars that had stopped for us earlier. It was again a terrifying maze of honking horns and flaring headlights, but I kept walking. I saw the men in tuxes gradually returning to their vehicles.

I know the man who saved me has a high status in society. Though it's not trending in me to choose the person to thank. If I don't express my gratitude to him, this moment will always be bugging in my mind.

I need peace of mind.

@DeathWish