The chains on the bike rattled, as the girl tried to wriggle it out of its locked state. She furrowed her brows at the bike, as the metallic smell of rain grew heavier. Light grew scarce, as dark clouds moved across the sky.

“Father! Someone left their bike!” the girl called, “It’s locked, and I can’t get it in!”

In response to his daughter’s call, a large man lumbered from inside the cafe entrance. Despite the walls being made of glass, darkness shrouded him, leaving only his brown, bushy beard and his hairy arms visible.

“It sure is cloudy this morning, huh,” he muttered, in a tone so deep, one could mistake him for a bear, “Just cover it with a tarp for now, dear.”

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Erfia, the girl, followed her father’s recommendation, and scurried inside to retrieve a tarp for the bicycle. Mr. Hangman simply remained standing, hands crossed, staring at the sky.

“Poor kid,” he said to himself, “I hope things work out with him and that girl.”

“Father! I can’t find the tarp!” Erfia whined, “Help! Before it starts pouring!”

A long, warm exhale blew from Mr. Hangman, before he turned and strode to his daughter. Despite his large presence, he had a hard time staying present in reality.

They found the tarp just seconds before the rain pelted their backs, as they wrapped the bike in it. Erfia’s frantic movements added to their situation, but her father’s menacing calm helped to balance out their situation.

Due to their hard work, Illate’s bike didn’t get wet during the storm.