Rebecca finally let out a big sigh of relief. She could breathe again at last. The truth was now out in the open. They had mocked her, called her crazy. Everyone, including her closest friends and family, had spoken about her behind her back. But now they knew the truth. The shock and surprise on their faces was the best revenge she could have hoped for.
As she held Dean’s hands, their eyes met in a silent conversation. He had known all along why she was marrying him and had stood by her side through everything. But he was the only one. Everyone else had gradually turned their backs on her.’Romantic Life: Chopin, Scheffer, Delacroix, Sand’ – a Parisian circle reimagined in WarsawKeep Watching
They snickered behind her back, questioning what she saw in him. To them, he was just a homeless man living on the streets. Meanwhile, she was young, beautiful, and always the life of the party. Moreover, he was almost 20 years older! They had labeled it disgusting and ridiculous, but now, when they found out why they were together, they fell silent. No one had seen this coming…
Since she was young, Rebecca had a soft spot for the homeless and poor. Even as a student, she tried to help those less fortunate, sharing her lunches and lending a listening ear. Her kindness wasn’t just a passing phase; it grew with her. What she didn’t expect was how her small acts of generosity would lead to something much bigger.
When Rebecca first met Dean, it was the first day of summer break. After a grueling semester, Rebecca and her friend Nikki were soaking up the final afternoon together, ready to take a well-deserved break. They meandered through the town’s streets, eager to leave thoughts of school behind. However, what she didn’t expect was that in the next few weeks, something else would be on her mind.
Rebecca was a beautiful girl who had always been one of the popular types at school. She was always surrounded by a wide circle of friends, her laughter and beauty drawing people in. Despite this, Rebecca’s love life was a roller coaster of fleeting relationships. Boys lined up, eager for a chance to be with one of the most stunning girls around.
But this kind of attention didn’t make her happy. She often went out with athletes who liked to show her off, saying things like, “Look at my beautiful girlfriend,” and “Isn’t she gorgeous?” They took her to parties where everyone looked at them. It felt nice to be noticed, but in the back of her head she knew these relationships weren’t meaningful.
It was always just surface-level. Rebecca never really talked with anyone about her dreams and beliefs. Deep down, she felt like no one truly understood her. None of her flings or boyfriends really took the time to get to know her, and they didn’t make her feel truly valued or loved. Rebecca wished she could have a deeper connection where she was appreciated for who she really was.
Rebecca had dated several football players too, but those relationships also left her feeling empty. After a few failed ones, she chose to stay single for a bit. “I’m just so done with it, Mom,” she had said, crying in her mother’s arms after another breakup. She thought she would never be in a relationship again, let alone marriage. But then, one day, while she was out shopping in town, something, or more precisely, someone, caught her eye.
The first year of university was over, and it was time to celebrate. Walking through the busy town square, Rebecca noticed a man, who appeared to be homeless, sleeping on the streets. Homelessness wasn’t common in her area, and this sparked her curiosity.
At first, she tried to move on with her day, but she couldn’t stop thinking about him. She wondered, “Who is he? What’s his story? Why here?”. The next morning, she had almost forgotten about the man. But on her way to her summer job, she saw him again, sitting on a bench in the park she passed by.
When she glanced his way, he gave her a warm yet sad smile. That moment really touched Rebecca. She thought, “He’s still here, all alone. Maybe I can do something for him”. This thought stayed with her, growing stronger as she continued her drive, the man’s smile lingering in her mind.
After work, Rebecca put her thoughts into action. She went straight to the store, determined to help. The air was getting colder, a sign that winter was close, and she knew it would soon snow. She thought of the man on the park bench, out in the cold. Her plan was simple but caring: to buy him a warm blanket. She pictured him wrapping the blanket around himself, a barrier against the cold nights. This idea filled her with warmth, just like she hoped the blanket would do for him.
Holding the new blanket, Rebecca walked toward the man, feeling a mix of nerves and determination. She gripped the soft, warm blanket, her palms a bit sweaty. She wondered how he would respond. “Will he be grateful, or will he think I’m intruding?” she thought to herself.
Getting closer, the man looked up, surprised to see her approaching. “Hi,” Rebecca said, her voice shaking a little with nerves. “I saw you here yesterday and thought you could use this.” She held out the blanket to him, her hands trembling just a bit.
The man’s face softened, transforming with gratitude. “Oh, thank you”, he said, his voice rough yet warm. “I can’t remember the last time someone showed me this kind of kindness.” He carefully took the blanket, his hands gently touching the fabric as if he couldn’t believe it was for him.
Rebecca was relieved and happy to see how much he appreciated the blanket. She realized how much her small act of kindness meant to him. She decided to keep talking to the man, who introduced himself as Dean, for a little longer. As they talked, Dean told her something interesting, something that stuck with her…
Minutes later, Rebecca quickly found herself immersed in one of the most engaging and heartfelt conversations she’d had in a long time. Dean, surprisingly articulate and insightful, shattered the stereotypical image of a homeless person. Who was this man?
They spent two hours talking on the bench in the chilly air. Dean, wrapped in his new soft blanket, shared it with her as it grew colder. He told her about his past, each story more fascinating than the last, depicting a life of both adventure and hardship. He spoke of places he’d been to, people he’d met, and lessons he’d learned. And then Dean shared something with her, something she would never forget and would make her do something she would never do.
