26

She opened the door, and there he stood, in his dusty black work clothes and holding a big black toolbox. With a broad smile, he said, "Good morning, I've come to repair your window." She looked at him and wondered how he could be so energetic and cheerful in such terrible, stormy weather. She let him in and closed the door behind him. He walked straight into the room where the windows needed fixing, his footsteps echoing softly on the hardwood floor. He made an initial inspection and told her, "The silicone tape on the outside needs to be replaced." Without wasting any time, he set to work, his hands moving with practised ease.

She watched him closely. He was in his mid-thirties, very slim, but he radiated an infectious cheerfulness. There was something about his demeanour that attracted her, a lightness that stood in stark contrast to the gloomy weather outside. As she watched his hands moving skilfully around the window frame, she thought he could be a musician, easily an artist. The precision and care with which he worked made it seem easy, but she knew it wasn't so. And yet he seemed to enjoy every moment.

Outside, the storm was raging, but inside, it was strangely quiet. The sound of the rain falling against the window panes and his gentle humming formed a soothing symphony. She was captivated by the rhythm of his movements, by the way he seemed to be in his element despite the natural chaos outside.

"How long have you been doing this?" she asked, breaking the comfortable silence.

He looked up at her, his smile still there. "Oh, for about fifteen years. My father taught me everything I know. There's something satisfying about fixing things, putting them back in order." She nodded and watched as he carefully removed the old silicone tape and replaced it with a new one. His fingers worked with delicate precision, almost like a musician playing an instrument or a sculptor carving precise veins on a statue. There was an artistry in his work, a passion visible in every movement.

"Do you enjoy it?" she asked curiously.

"Yes," he replied, pausing to meet her gaze. "It's not just about fixing windows. It's about bringing a little light and contentment into people's lives, especially on days like these," and he smiled.

She smiled back at his words. It was a simple statement, but it touched her deeply. There was a simple beauty in his perspective.

As he finished and sealed the window with a final touch, she couldn't help but feel grateful for this unexpected encounter. In the midst of the storm, she had found a reminder of the quiet joys that can be found in the most unexpected places, even from strangers.

"Thanks," she said as he packed up his toolbox.

He nodded, his smile widening. "Any time. If you ever need anything fixed again, you know who to call."

She watched him go. Outside, the storm continued to rage, but inside, she felt a reassuring sense of safety and was confident that no more water would sneak into the room. But she realised, it wasn't just about fixing windows. It was about finding the beauty in the simple moments and the people who brought a little light into our existence, no matter how rainy the weather might be. and found herself smiling, a wide smile, just like his.