The Day I Kissed An Older Man

It was especially painful for Rita because her diligent efforts seemed to have been futile. The homeless man never even spared her a glance. As time passed, the number of reporters dwindled until only Rita remained.

She could manage her apprehensions in the daytime, but as night descended, a sense of unease settled upon her. Finally, she gritted her teeth and approached the homeless man once more.

"Would you care to share your story with me? As you've noticed, the other reporters have left. You don't have any other choice, even if I'm not a newbie," she pressed.

Wrapped in that tattered cotton jacket, the man seemed to shut himself out from the outside world and ignored Rita's presence. It would have been easier for Rita to get through to the interviewee if it was another person, but because people tended to badger him about his family's tragic demise, Rita did not dare to ask about it unless prompted.

She paced anxiously in circles and decided to move her things so she could sit opposite him. "I won't leave until you confide in me. Let's see who caves in first."

Rita dwelled too much on her decision simply because she could not bear the thought of her earlier efforts going down the drain. Moreover, she sensed a glimmer of hope within her that perhaps the story could finally catalyze her resurgence.

However, they were not alone in that space. Other homeless individuals were there too, and a very unsavory incident unfolded that night. A drunken hobo caught sight of Rita's fair complexion amid the dim surroundings. He approached with an air of intoxicated confidence, and Rita could smell his alcohol breath before he even came close to her.

Knowing that he was getting near, Rita wrapped herself in her blanket and ignored his presence.

"Where'd you come from, pretty lady? Why are you hiding in that blanket? Are you shy? Let me see your face," he slurred crudely.

Rita was repulsed by his words, but she knew she could not afford to act rashly because she was alone. The homeless man had been lurking there for days, and he considered it a stroke of luck that Rita happened to be the only person remaining. With the alcohol giving him a touch of misplaced confidence, he found the opportunity too good to pass on. 

"Don't you want to get to know me a little better? I might not be young anymore, but I sure can give a woman the lovin' she deserves. I promise you'll have a good time! Hey, look at me! Don't be shy!"

Rita frowned and shifted away slightly to avoid being assaulted by the man.

"Hehe, still playing hard to get, huh? Come closer. Let me have a look at that pretty face!" the man said, grasping Rita's arm all of a sudden.

She leaped to her feet with a horrified shriek, threw away her blanket, and evaded him swiftly. The only part of her body that was exposed was her face, as she dressed modestly in a jacket and long slacks. Still, that alone seemed to exude an unintended allure to the eyes of that inebriated man. 

"What do you think you're doing? I'll call the police if you come any closer!" Rita warned.Exclusive content from NôvelDrama.Org.

He had experienced similar rebuffs on numerous occasions since it was quite obvious that no one would ever be attracted to a hobo like him. However, his urges had become a little difficult to control because he had a little too much to drink that day. 

"Damn it! Who do you think you are, talking to me like that? You should be grateful I found you attractive!" retorted the homeless.