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"I think I'll need my mackintosh."
"Why?"
"It just started to rain. And I need to be back in the office soon."
Sarah looked out of the window of her flat. The rain, initially no more than a sprinkle, had become heavier.
Fiona, her friend, colleague and flatmate, was staying home that afternoon - the result of a worsening cold.
"Just tell them at work that I'm not well. I don't want to brave this rain."
"I'll tell them."
Sarah's mackintosh was in the wardrobe. The weather had been dry for some time. Until now.
She closed the door of their flat and drew her hands inside,feeling for the soft rubber. A delectable feeling.
Caught in the wind, the cape rustled and flowed.
A young man was standing outside, watching her with an expression bordering on ecstasy. Had he been waiting for her to appear?
A few yards further on, he was at her side, turning down the collar of her cape.
"The collar of your cape was all scrunched up. I hope you don't mind."
She didn't. She was in a good mood that day, humming softly to herself.
"I wasn't even going to take my mackintosh. But the rain changed all that."
"Well, it's a lovely mackintosh. Very smart. You must enjoy wearing it."
It seemed an odd remark. But she didn't really care. He seemed a pleasant enough young man. And there was no one else around at the moment.
"Do you prefer the coat or the cape? I ask because my sister is looking for a mackintosh, but she can't abide what she calls 'those dreadful plastic affairs.' So I suppose she wants something traditional, like yours."
"I like the cape because it's easy to slip on. I like its whiteness. And I like the feel of the rubber."
They had reached the entrance to her office. He was gazing at her with rapt devotion.
"You're very beautiful. And you look lovely in your cape. May I see you again?"
"We'll see."
Perhaps she should see him now. After all, she had told him everything.
She climbed the stairs slowly, lost in thought. At the top, she leaned against a desk, hands caressing the soft rubber, reluctant to surrender her mackintosh.
Rachel, who worked with her and whom she liked, noticed a difference.
"You look contented, almost dreamy."
"I met a young man - don't even know his name. He told me I looked lovely in my cape and I was beautiful."
"Well, you do and you are. Surely you know that? And your cape only adds to your beauty."
Something to think about....
PC
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