Downplay Dissonance
Early one morning in 1997, a cold breeze swept through a small town. A light drizzle fell on the flowers, as if the raindrops wanted to kiss them gently. The town was slowly waking up. People were heading to work, students were waiting for buses, and shopkeepers were opening their shops. Within a few minutes, the weather changed. The sky turned dark, and the light drizzle became heavy rain. People started running for shelter. Some stood under shop roofs, some gathered at bus stops, and others took shelter under nearby balconies. For many, the sudden rain was a pleasant surprise. Friends laughed, families talked, and children enjoyed playing with the raindrops. But not everyone was happy. On opposite sides of the road stood a young man and a young woman. Both looked irritated by the rain. The young man kept checking his watch. The young woman looked up at the sky, hoping the rain would stop. They had never met before. They were just two strangers waiting for the same rain to end. Sudden...