The commotion attracted passing cars to stop and watch. The man, feeling the pain, began to wail incessantly, “Look at this shrew! Not only did she scratch my car, but she also trapped my hand!”
Callie took a deep breath. It was her first time being called a shrew by a stranger. She wanted to retort, but a commanding voice interrupted her thoughts, “Callie! Let him go immediately! From now on, do not speak or leave. Do you hear me?”
The tone had changed from gentle questioning to genuine anger, loud enough for everyone around to hear, causing them to exchange puzzled glances.
Cora stepped forward, “Mr. Oconnor…?”
Nelson issued a harsh warning, “Send me your location. I’m coming over right now.”
Reluctantly, Callie released her grip on the car window switch and fell silent, letting the chaos outside unfold.
She heard the sound of a car starting on the other end of the line. The voice softened, mixing resignation with comfort, “Don’t hang up until I get there.”
The girl lowered her head, her neck curving gracefully like a beautiful swan. She clutched the car seat and responded softly, “Okay.”
A long silence followed, filled only with their breathing and some background noise.
Suddenly, he asked, “Are you wet?”
“… Yes.”
“There’s a dryer in the car and a towel in the back seat. Dry yourself off.”
“… Okay.”
Callie moved stiffly, like a puppet following his instructions. As she fumbled around, her remaining rationality screamed that something was off about this situation.
She placed the phone aside and used the towel to dry her damp hair.
The recent tension and outbursts were washed away by this sudden exchange. It was indifferent yet warm, like a plant sprouting tender leaves in the depths of an abyss.
Callie mustered up her courage after a long while, “You don’t actually need to come. Let Cora…”
“Callie.”
The man uttered her name softly, the warning clear.
She fell silent again, her cheeks puffing slightly. After a moment, she suddenly blurted out, “Drive safely.”
Nelson couldn’t help but mock, “Not as foolish as you.”
“…”
The traffic police arrived quicker than Nelson.
They first dispersed the onlookers and pulled the man aside. One officer knocked on Callie’s car window, “Miss?”
Callie informed the men on the phone, “The traffic police are here.”
“The police are there; he won’t dare touch you. Get out and cooperate. I’ll be there soon.”
Callie sniffled, unlocked the central lock, and got out of the car with her phone in hand.
While the traffic police inspected the damage between the two vehicles, the man’s voice came through the phone again, “I’m here.”
In the vast expanse of her vision, she saw a glimmer of light. Turning around, she saw a car parked behind hers. The driver’s door opened, and a man in a black trench coat stepped out, holding a transparent umbrella. He walked towards them through the rain and snow.
His presence was imposing and steady, like a deity.
Instantly, Callie’s fragile emotions found solace. Her soft heart grew armor; she had a solid backing.
An entertainment newspaper once described Nelson: The sense of security this man provides makes you want to run into his arms at first sight, knowing he will protect you.
Standing face to face with him stirred something deep within her. The rest of her life seemed intertwined with this man.
In a brief moment of distraction, she felt warmth in her hand. Nelson had approached and placed his other hand gently on the back of her head in a comforting embrace.