When Ella stopped to help a homeless man on a rainy evening, she had no idea how deeply their encounter would change her life. A single glance at his worn gold watch sent a wave of memories crashing over her, revealing a connection she could never have expected.

The rain was starting to pick up as I juggled my grocery bags, trying to keep my scarf from flying away. It was one of those evenings where the cold just clung to your skin, and I couldn’t wait to get home. I was halfway across the parking lot when I heard a voice behind me.

“Hey, sweetheart, you dropped your wallet!”

I stopped and turned around. A man was sitting on the curb near the grocery store entrance. He held my wallet in one hand, waving it slightly. My heart did a little flip.

“Oh my gosh, thank you so much!” I said, hurrying back to him. I must’ve dropped it when I was loading up the bags.

“Don’t mention it,” he said, handing it over. His voice was gruff but kind.

Up close, I noticed he looked like he’d been through a lot. His clothes were old and frayed, and his face was lined with deep wrinkles. But his eyes—they were warm, like he still saw good in the world, even if the world hadn’t been good to him.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” I asked, not able to stop myself.

He gave a dry chuckle. “Sure as I can be, I guess. Not much to complain about when you’ve got nothin’ to lose.”

That answer hit me harder than I expected. I shifted awkwardly, clutching my wallet. The rain was starting to get heavier, and I could feel the chill seeping through my coat. I looked at him again, sitting there in the open, with nothing but a thin jacket to shield him.

“I can’t just leave you out here,” I blurted. “Do you need a ride somewhere? Or maybe a warm meal?”

He shook his head. “You’re kind, miss, but I’m fine. Folks always have good intentions, but I don’t wanna trouble anyone.”

“It’s no trouble,” I said quickly. “Come on, my car’s right over there. At least get out of the rain for a bit.”

He hesitated, looking at me like he was trying to figure out if I was serious. Finally, he stood up, brushing off his hands on his pants.

“Alright,” he said slowly. “Just for a minute. You’re too nice for your own good, you know that?”

I smiled. “I’ve been told.”

My car was a mess with papers and empty coffee cups everywhere. I scrambled to clear the passenger seat while he stood outside, dripping wet.

“Sorry about the mess,” I said, tossing things into the back. “Go ahead and get in.”

“Looks cozy to me,” he said, climbing in.

The warmth from the heater hit him immediately, and he let out a small sigh. I noticed how his hands shook as he held them up to the vents.

“What’s your name?” I asked.

“Harry,” he said. “And you?”