The rain was coming down hard, with water splashing from the pavement, soaking your clothes as you trudged through the storm. You could feel the chill creeping in as your shoes hit the puddles with each step. The upper east side was quiet, the city holding its breath as the rain washed over it. You had hoped to find Percy behind that door, but when you rang the bell, it was a woman you didn’t quite recognize who answered.

She was mid-thirties, warm brown eyes meeting yours. She paused for a second, recognition flickering, then her face softened into a kind, welcoming smile that made the cold seem less harsh.

“Oh my, look at you, drenched through,” she said, her voice carrying a comforting warmth. “Come in, come in. No need to stand out in the rain.”

Before you could say anything, she was already stepping aside, pulling you gently into the foyer. It didn’t take much for you to realize that she had a motherly presence about her, one that felt almost too natural for someone who barely knew you. She looked you up and down, a soft sigh escaping her lips.

“Percy’s not home yet, but you’re more than welcome to stay until he gets back. Let me get you a towel. I’m Sally, by the way,” she added, moving to hang your drenched coat on a nearby hook.