– Where can I buy a rain jacket here? – I asked the receptionist.
– You can get one for free from us," the girl smiled back at me.
– Great! Bring it!
A minute later, wearing a long translucent blue mackintosh that looked like a big rubbish bag, I stepped out into the rain and inhaled deeply the smell of wet asphalt with trepidation.
Cars drove along the wet road, with their headlights on, as it was semi-darkness all around. The sky was so grey that it looked like Gdansk would be swamped in rain that would flood it all the way to the roofs of houses and hotels. People passing by me were wearing jackets. On their feet were rubber boots, water-repellent trainers and leather half-boots, half-boots. I was surrounded by a sea of colourful umbrellas. And I stood in this sea – like a lighthouse, in my blue mackintosh. My sneakers were soaked after five seconds of being in the rain.
Everyone was running, in a hurry.
I was the only one who didn't know where I was going.
– Can you tell me what time it is?
The passerby looked at me perplexed. Then at his watch, hidden under the sleeve of his jacket.
– Seven minutes to eleven.
– Thank you. – I slowly walked on.
It was pouring cat and dogs. My hair, which didn't fit under the hood, hung down like rat tails, streams dripping from it. Unnaturally long rat tails.
We got to the main road and I saw three old Skodas, pressed up against the kerb, under a taxi sign. Next to them were three elderly men smoking.
– There was Ales. Hello, Ales! – Martin shouted hello to one of the three taxi drivers.
– I see you already have your own mafia network! – I joked quietly. – Do you know everyone and everyone who lives in Gdansk?
– Every last homeless person! – Martin said cheerfully. – Ales is a great guy, with a healthy sense of humour, and I always go only with him.
– Jesus, it's less than a minute's walk.
– Eight seconds. I timed it.
– Then why do you need Ales?
– I'm trying to understand the psychology of mortals.
– You're writing a report? – I laughed again.
Martin surprised me more and more: though we had been in touch very often, I heard the news only now.
– No. I'm just bored. I have to have fun somehow. Do you?
I realised what he was getting at: that when I'm bored, I sleep with mortals.
– Martin! – A man in his sixties, wearing dark trousers, a windbreaker and a cap, came to meet us. – Where have you been? Have you forgotten old Ales?
– Business, business. Here, I'd like you to meet him. This is my sister," replied my brother, shaking hands with the man.
– Good evening," I smiled politely, even though it was late at night.
– Good evening, good evening," Ales smiled. – Where to take you?
– Tonight – just her, and I'll walk myself, – said Martin. – She will tell me where.
– Then you're welcome. The car is not fancy, but you will be comfortable. – Ales opened the front door of his Skoda.
– I'll ride in the back seat," I told him as I approached the car.
– As you wish. – And the back door immediately opened in front of me.
– Bye, Martin. I'll call you. Enjoy the concert. – I got in the car.
– I'll get her home safe and sound," Ales told Martin.
– Just be careful: she's in a very bad mood today," he advised him. – Bye, sister! See you later!
– What did you say the name of this band was? – I asked, rolling down the window.
– Moonlight. Did you get it? – Martin asked with a sly smile.
