It rained the next morning. Not the loud kind of rain—just soft drops falling slowly, making the streets shine and the roofs hum quietly.
Haruto stood by the bakery window, holding a cup of warm tea. The smell of wet earth and baked bread mixed in the air. It was peaceful, the kind of morning that made you want to stay inside forever.
Kaori was kneading dough at the counter, humming a tune. Ren was fixing a loose shelf near the back door. Everything felt calm and steady.
"It's going to rain all day," Ren said, glancing outside. "Good thing we baked early."
Kaori nodded. "People will still come. Rain makes them crave something warm."
Haruto smiled. "Then we'll make sure to have enough bread for everyone."
And she was right—the townspeople came one by one, shaking off their umbrellas and laughing as they entered the bakery. A farmer bought two loaves of honey bread. A group of children ran in, dripping wet, asking for sweet rolls. An old woman ordered her usual rye bread, smiling at Haruto as he handed it over.
"You're getting better at this," she said.
Haruto laughed. "I'm learning from the best."
Kaori smiled proudly from behind the counter. "That's my student."
The rain continued to fall outside, pattering softly against the window. The bakery glowed warm inside—full of soft voices, laughter, and the smell of bread.
By noon, the rain had turned into s drizzle. Kaori was counting coins when she looked up and said, " Haruto, could you do me a favor?"
"Sure," he said. "What is it?"
"I need to deliver this basket of rolls to Mrs. Sato. She lives near the mill, by the river."
Ren looked up from his work. "You'll have to be careful. The path gets muddy."
"I'll be fine," Haruto said, smiling as he pulled on his cloak. "I like the rain anyway."
Kaori handed him the basket—warm bread wrapped in cloth. "Don't take too long. And be polite—she loves to talk."
"I'll try," Haruto said, laughing."
He stepped outside, the cool rain touching his face. The town looked different under the gray sky—softer, quieter, and full of tiny reflections on every puddle.
The streets were almost empty. Only a few people walked around, holding umbrellas or pulling carts covered with cloth.
Haruto passed the blacksmith's shop, where steam rose from the forge. He waved to the old man working there. Then he passed the flower stall, now covered with a tarp, where colorful petals peeks out from under the plastic.
Even though the rain made everything slower, it also made the world feel closer. The smell of rain, the sound of footsteps in puddles, the soft hum of distant bells—everything felt alive in a quiet way.
When Haruto reached the edge of town, the houses grew fewer. The river ran beside the dirt path, flowing calmly. He held the basket close, careful not to slip on the wet stones.
Then, something caught his eye.
A small, white shape floated down the river—a single white flower. Just like the one in his room.
He stopped and watched it drift by. The petals didn't sink or tear in the rain. They almost seemed to glow. For a moment, he thought about picking it up—but it floated out of reach and disappeared under the bridge.
He stood there for a few seconds longer, then sighed softly. "This town really is full of little mysteries," he said to himself.
Then he kept walking.
Mrs. Sato's house stood beside the old watermill. The big wooden wheel turned slowly in the rain, creaking softly.
Haruto knocked on the door.
"Oh, come in, dear!" a cheerful voice called out.
Inside, the air was warm and smelled like herbs. Mrs. Sato was an old woman with gray hair tide up in a bun and kind eyes that seemed to notice everything.
"Ah, Kaori's boy," she said with a smile. "She sent you out in this weather?"
Haruto laughed. "I volunteered."
"She works you too hard, doesn't she?" Mrs. Sato teased, taking the basket. "Oh, these smell wonderful. Tell her thank you."
"I will," Haruto said.
Mrs. Sato poured hi a cup of tea and made him sit down by the fire. "You're new here, aren't you? I remember everyone in Evermere."
"Yes," he said. "I came here a few months ago."
The old woman nodded slowly. "You seem to fit right in. That's good. Ever,ere doesn't always open up to everyone."
Haruto blinked. "What do you mean?"
Mrs. Sato smiled gently. "This town has a long memory. It remembers kind people. It remembers hearts that want to stay."
He didn't quite understand, but her words made him feel strangely calm.
When the rain lightened again, Haruto stood up. "Thank you for the tea."
"Come visit anytime," she said warmly. "The river's stories are nicer when shared."
He didn't know what she meant by that either, but he smiled and nodded. "I will."