The smallest rock thrown into a pond makes ripples that have far reaching affects that many never see or know of until often it comes back to slap them in the face. The rock could be many things…a speedster running back in time, a harsh word said at the worst time, or even just a small smile given to a complete stranger.

Amaya was having one of those days where nothing was going right, she over slept, missed her bus, was late for work, worked through lunch, left four hours later than planned thus missing the bus again, and was forced to sit in the cold drizzle that was trying to decide if it was going to snow or remain miserable.

As she sat there brooding, she noticed a young Hispanic man sit beside her looking just as tired and harried looking as she did. She had a mild moment of panic assuming this might be a precursor to a mugging, when the young man turned to her and flashed her a winning smile and a joke about the weather. She noticed his name badge from a company in town and while dressed rather informally, she doubted he’d give her much trouble.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

While they sat there talking in the rain the talk turned to metahumans and the most recent sighting of the red blur. The young man seemed to be a huge fan of his and made a big deal about how many times he’s seen it before. Amaya grinned at the man, a chuckle working its way out of her more than she’d planned, and made the wait seem to pass in no time at all. They soon parted ways, and though wet and tired she felt her night getting much better.

The next day sadly turned out to be much the same, and again she found herself sitting waiting for a bus, though the weather had finally gotten a little better. As she sat there waiting a movement out of the corner of her eye drew her gaze up the street…. a red blur streaking down the road. It stopped in front of her, and she swore she saw it smile at her before racing off again, and she remembered the man from last night. A small smile worked its way into her heart and warmed her mood better than any hot drink could hope to accomplish.

Next up: “The Desk”