Heavy rain and a chill unveiled warm breaths in the air. It made the body shiver, slowed the joints, and numbed the skin. A gloom saturated the town and university grounds, covering everything in a sickly, raw umber hue.

The people were shambling ghosts who hugged and wrapped themselves in their jackets to cover themselves from the rain.

A tall, dark-blonde young man, dressed in black and hidden under an umbrella stood underneath the downpour, looking up at the old, wood-framed building from the street. Muffled lull notes came from inside.

The young man walked up the steps to the front porch and stopped outside the door, silently listening to the music. He looked in the window and saw through the curtains the musician at the keys, focused on his craft, on the creation of soft and precious notes.

The musician abruptly slowed his playing and looked up as if he knew he was being watched. He looked up past the wisps of hair that fell before his eyes and locked his gaze with the young man watching him through the window.

The young man jumped, startled, and positioned himself by the front door. Once opened, the musician met him, studying the guest.

“Christian,” the musician asked.

“Yes,” Christian replied meekly. Christian was a soft-spoken observer. A silent scholar. His reserved demeanor and reservation when it came to speaking accentuated his handsome looks and dapper attire.

“My name is Florian,” the musician replied, “Let me take your coat."

Christian watched Florian hang his coat on a rack but studied him closely.

Crisp oxford shirt, and straight slacks with suspenders. His sleeves were rolled up and his top two buttons were undone. They shared that in common. Florian also had jewelry pinned to his collar. The symbol of a flying dove. His relaxed appearance insinuated that Florian was unbothered by the laborious responsibilities of being a prestigious student. Or maybe he was too tired to keep up his appearances.

“Wait here,” Florian said. “I’ll fetch Tomas for you.” He nodded and disappeared deeper into the house.