Lost in the Rain: contos, #1

By jessica diogo

 

In a thrilling whirlwind of events, Melvin's journey from a chance encounter to a nightmare unfolds with heart-stopping intensity.

Picture this: a stormy night, rain pelting down like an orchestra of drums against the windshield. Melvin and Rebecca, on their way to a momentous meeting with his parents, are faced with a series of challenges that test their resolve and love.

As they navigate treacherous roads and unexpected twists of fate, their bond is put to the ultimate test. From a near-miss accident to a mysterious disappearance, every moment is filled with suspense and uncertainty.

But amidst the chaos, their love shines like a beacon of hope. Despite doubts and external pressures, Melvin's unwavering devotion to Rebecca is palpable, his every action a testament to his commitment.

From humble beginnings to a chance encounter, their romance blossoms against all odds. Melvin's simple gestures of love and Rebecca's strength in the face of adversity paint a vivid portrait of a love worth fighting for.

But as the mystery deepens and danger lurks in the shadows, Melvin finds himself thrust into a nightmare he never could have imagined. With Rebecca's fate hanging in the balance, he must confront his own demons and unravel the truth before it's too late.

In a gripping tale of love, loyalty, and resilience, Melvin's journey takes him to the edge of despair and back again. With each twist and turn, he is forced to confront the darkest corners of his own heart and emerge stronger than ever before.

So buckle up and prepare for a rollercoaster ride of emotions as Melvin's quest for love and justice unfolds in a breathtaking tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

• Language: English
• Publisher: jessica diogo
• Release date: Apr 17, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224585663

jessica diogo

Ricardo Almeida is a writer and journalist, graduated in the Brazilian city of João Pessoa in 2007. He specializes in investigative journalism. In addition to his journalistic work, he is a speaker and writer. It shares its knowledge at conferences, workshops and publications, with the aim of disseminating information about society. Your commitment is to help others achieve a balanced and meaningful life.

Book preview

Table of Contents

Lost in the Rain

Lost in the Rain

The rain was pouring heavily.

It drummed against the windshield as if trying to deter anyone brave enough to venture out

in such weather.

In the dim glow of the headlights, peculiar glints danced, further obscuring visibility.

It was too late to turn back now, as most of the journey lay behind them.

At the bend, Melvin lost control. Gripping the wheel, he hit the brakes and cursed, the

front wheel hanging precariously over the edge.

Well, there it is, he said to his companion.

Rebecca froze, her face drained of color.

Melvin threw on his jacket and cautiously stepped out of the car, circling it.

Minor damage.

He just needed to reverse, his parents were waiting, worrying.

Today was a special day.

Melvin Rogers was taking his fiancé Rebecca to the village of Mount Valley to meet his

parents.

Despite nearly a year of dating and even living together, Rebecca hadn't officially met Melvin's

family yet.

The rain ceased as abruptly as it had begun, with frozen hands, Melvin fished out a cigarette

and lit it.

Trouble seemed to follow them since morning, Rebecca complained of a headache and fretted

over minor issues, had one of her pastry shops.

For the first time in a long while at the auto repair shop, Melvin encountered a problematic

client.

Coming in with a breakdown that would take at least a week to fix, the man caused a scene,

accusing the staff of incompetence and unprofessionalism.

It threw Melvin off balance.

He always did his job well, striving to solve any customer's problem.

So, such accusations were entirely unfounded.

What was most frustrating was that the garage director Donald Holland didn't bother to investigate

the situation and find Melvin.

He didn't argue, it would only sour his mood, and he wanted to remember this day with different

emotions.

Melvin's parents had struggled for years after his divorce and separation from his daughter.

Their only son was the meaning of their lives, and they took any of his failures as their

own.

Melvin genuinely loved them, they were kind, and they loved Gina, his first wife.

Her father passed away back in the 90s, and her mother lived for five years after his

death, but the woman never quite recovered from the grief.

"'You have good parents,' Gina would tell Melvin.

"'Sometimes I feel like they love you more than me,' he'd reply.

His mother, who had grown so attached to her beloved daughter-in-law, still harbored hope

that Gina and Melvin would realize their mistake.

When he told them he had started dating Rebecca Stewart, a well-known businesswoman in town,

his mother assumed it wouldn't last long.

Of course, he Melvin wasn't going to heed his mother's advice.

But still, now that they were heeding towards Mary Gee, it was important to him that his

mother accepted Rebecca.

Melvin knew for sure that his mother would see the true love between them from the very

beginning.

Despite rumors, Melvin was marrying Rebecca not out of greed.

People only see what they want to see.

Many acquaintances sarcastically asked Rebecca what she saw in a poor mechanic, and the most

malicious of them directly stated that he was marrying her solely for money.

Alas, people were thinking in stereotypes.

Melvin finished his cigarette and flicked it away, instinctively stamping out the butt.

He knew that fires often occurred here.

He returned to the car and started off slowly.

Melvin focused on the road as the radio came to life.

The lively voice of the announcer finally broke through the crackling static.

Showers are expected in some areas the air temperature will drop to plus eight degrees,

and wind gusts will reach up to 25 meters per second, he reported.

The weather isn't pleasing, sighed Rebecca, glancing at Melvin.

She turned to look out the window.

There was something subtly sensual about her strict appearance.

In the way her warm cashmere sweater hugged her delicate skin, in the sparkle of the small

mosaic brush on her chest.

In every movement, every word and every glance.

Are you upset about something?

Melvin asked, lowering the music.

Yes, a problem has arisen, a serious one, Rebecca replied.

Children got poisoned at a kid's party and they only ate our cake.

They're going to investigate it thoroughly, and they might even shut us down, she sighed.

I don't understand how this could have happened, all the other products are fine, and I know

for sure that cake was fresh.

Edith is trying to solve the problem, but it would be better if I were there too.

Well, we'll try not to stay long at my parents, Melvin replied.

It's already evening anyway, we'll be back in the city tomorrow morning, you know, our

parents are waiting for us.

Yes, I understand, Rebecca replied dryly.

I was getting ready for the meeting too, bought some gifts.

But why does everything have to happen at the worst times, and this bracelet, the stupid

clasp keeps coming undone and digging into my skin?

Rebecca clicked the clasp of her bracelet, she never took off this piece of jewelry.

The golden bracelet, adorned with emeralds forming a snake reaching for ruby apples,

was a steward family heirloom, passed down for over a hundred years.

Rebecca's mother had given it to her daughter shortly before her death, saying it would

protect her.

Well as soon as we arrive I'll take you to a trusted jeweler, he'll fix it quickly.

Don't worry