Story Chapter 46: Sudden Rain

The police station loomed only a short distance away as the officer continued escorting Seiri across the pavement, his grip steady on her upper arm. The first cold raindrop landed on her cheek. Then another. Within seconds, the sky opened. Rain pattered across the parking lot. *Tap... tap... tap...* It quickly became a steady... *Patter... patter... patter...* Seiri instinctively hunched her shoulders as the rain soaked through her white gym shirt, the fabric clinging to her from the downpour. Strands of her long black hair stuck against her face while droplets rolled down her forehead and jaw. Her breathing grew heavier as she hurried to match the officer's pace, the chain of the handcuffs behind her back giving a soft... *Clink... clink...* She grimaced. "Seriously...? Now it has to rain?" The officer didn't slow. "We're almost inside. Keep walking." Seiri sighed, shaking a few wet strands of hair from her eyes before taking another reluctant step. Water dripped from her clothes onto the pavement as the escort continued through the rain. Around them, the flashing lights of the patrol car reflected across the wet ground while thunder rumbled faintly in the distance. The officer maintained his firm hold, guiding the soaked, handcuffed Seiri toward the entrance of the police station as the rain continued to pour.