The year is 1993. The rain fell steadily over London, a fine, misty drizzle that blurred the outlines of towering buildings above. Streetlights cast hazy amber glows onto the slick cobblestone streets, their reflections rippling in the countless puddles scattered along the walkways. Umbrellas bobbed through the crowded pavements, their owners moving with hurried steps, eager to escape the damp chill of the very typical British weather — Whilst red double-decker buses groaned as they navigated through the traffic, their windows fogged from the warmth inside.

On a quiet corner, a dimly lit café offered refuge from the weather. Its windows hazy with condensation and fog, glowed softly, revealing silhouettes of patrons nursing steaming mugs of tea and coffee inside. Meanwhile, on the outside, a lone figure lingered by the window beneath the awning, their breath fogging the glass as they watched the world pass by. The rain, relentless and unyielding, continued its descent, washing away the day’s grime and lending the city an ethereal, timeless beauty.

Which is where Jay is. His fingers felt as cold as ice as he lifted his lighter, cupping a hand around the end to light his cigarette, deep brown eyes focusing down upon the flame. The lighters glow lit his face in a soft orange hue, softening his young boyish features. He could feel the chill of the gentle breeze, nipping at his skin beneath his baggy jacket, prompting goosebumps to rise across his skin up to the small hairs upon his neck. Though the awning provided shelter, and the curve of the building offered some solice from the wind, blocking it out.