29 Friendship: A Helping Hand

The expressions on both our faces mirrored pure shock. It was evident that Thomas was taken aback even more than I was. His face was an open book of surprise, and I couldn't hide my own astonishment. 

Frankly, I had no desire to run into him again; the whole situation felt eerie.

Thomas surveyed the surroundings briefly, then locked eyes with me. His voice was tinged with an unexpected mix of emotions as he spoke, "Jeff! I never imagined you'd... visit me so soon. I certainly didn't anticipate you reaching out to me first..."

I was taken aback by the whole situation, my words momentarily caught in my throat. But I managed to stammer out a request, "Well, me neither, but... can you please help us? My brother is injured, and the rain doesn't seem to be stopping. Could we..."

Before I could finish, he interrupted me with a polite tone, "Oh! Forgive my rudeness, madam. Please, come inside quickly. We'll take care of your son."