''See Irene, you will have to pay me by next week or I am sorry, you will have to leave the house.''

You don't have to add that sorry in between. Every day Jayden comes around to remind me of this sentence as if I have some memory issues. '' I’ll try to pay the rent by next week. Thank you.'' I shut the door without waiting for his response. After mom had passed away, Jayden my childhood best friend offered his sister's apartment for me to stay in. I threw all the things around the house into my suitcase and started ascending the stairs when my phone suddenly rang. It was Agent Smith. Why would that man call me now? He threw me off a case and that in a way made me a homeless woman. ''Good morning. We have an emergency. A burglar has robbed the City Museum of its valuable painting 'The Three Golden Leaves.' It was reported at 9 am and the museum officials claimed that the person had run away with the painting. You and Sam need to be there in an hour. Our men are already investigating the matter at the museum.'' He cut the call even before I could say 'yes sir.' I drag the large suitcase to the train station. I got to drop this at a safe place before I run behind a burglar. Snowflakes falling into my palms, the magical feel of a Christmas season.  A man in his early twenties, with shabby black hair and a sweater that says BEYOUTIFUL taps on my shoulder. '' Ma'am would you like to have a cup of tea?'' The cold wind is so strong that I can hear my teeth shivering.

''Yes, please. Thank you.'' He pours the hot tea from his kettle into the paper cup. He hands me the cup and all I can do is stare into his devouring eyes. He smiles and turns his way back to ask other people at the station. The hot tea soothes my shivering body. How did I even become a police officer? I am so dumb that I didn't even wear a jacket despite knowing that there is heavy snowfall. ''The next train to Birmingham arrives in an hour’’, the man at the ticket counter announces. When I return to my bench, the young man is sitting right beside my suitcase. My body stiffens as I sit next to him. '' Don't you have a jacket?'' he asks. ''No. I forgot to bring it'' I say with a smile thinking about my stupidity. '' Now that's interesting. Here, take this. I have another one in my bag. This will help you'' he hands me over his thick leather jacket. I wear that jacket and it feels like I am wrapped in his arms. '' I have been living here since my school days. But I have never seen someone serving tea in the station and that too for free.'' I look at him and all I can notice is the way his lips twist in a beautiful smile. '' Sometimes you have to see things that you have never seen before. That is why life is called unexpected…. Today is my mom's death anniversary. She always loved making tea for anyone that came to our home. I do this every year in her memory.''

I wasn't expecting that. '' I am sorry. I was just curious to know. You are doing a great thing. Your mom will be proud of you. What's your name?'' he looks straight into my eyes and I find the most beautiful reflection of myself in his eyes. '' Gavin and you?'' We shake hands '' Irene''. His palm is delicate like that of a baby. It is so warm. Can we please keep holding hands for 5 more minutes, please……We withdraw our hands before it gets awkward. Irene, stop grinning. He will see.

Sam leaves a text – ' Irene, I am heading towards the museum. Come straight to the museum when you reach Birmingham.' When I lift up my eyes from the phone, I see police officers running towards me. They haven't come to collect me instead they put handcuffs on the man next to me. ‘’ What’s the matter sir?’’ I ask in surprise. ''Good morning ma'am. This man was arrested for possession of drugs this morning but he had escaped.'' ‘’ Sir you can take me. I had done what I was supposed to do today’’ he says to the policeman. I look at him with shock. No way can this be true. '' I would like to have a word with Ms. Irene'' he requests the policeman. He bends his neck to my ears and says, '' For how much are you going to sell 'The Three Golden Leaves'?''