I was walking home from my office. A woman walked a few steps ahead of me. From this exchange of images, between those that appeared in my mind at that moment and those that my eyes caught as I walked, only her large orange scarf draped over her shoulders remained in my memory.

We were the only pedestrians on the street, which was partly covered by yellowed leaves. The sky was covered in thick clouds. I was walking, listening to music with headphones in my ears.

Soon I felt the rain start to fall. I took the umbrella from the bag slung over my shoulder and continued walking, despite the increasingly heavy rain. Meanwhile, she had pulled her scarf over her head and was walking at the same steady pace, without rushing. I thought it must have been nice to enter her world at those moments. Even if I had put the umbrella down, I wouldn't have felt the same joy. That sense of self must have started earlier for her. Perhaps even before the decision to go for a walk.

I envied this woman who walked on in the rain without hurrying. I envied her freedom.