London in Autumn

Autumn in London is a season full of surprises, where the city wraps itself in a blanket of mist and fog. The leaves on the trees turn to gold and red, giving the streets a burst of color. Johnny, a young student from a small, sunny town, came to London with big dreams. He imagined autumn in the city would be like a scene from a movie—leisurely walks through parks, sipping hot tea in cozy cafés, and maybe even meeting some interesting new friends. But soon, he learned that reality in London was a bit different from his expectations.

On the first day of October, Johnny decided to experience London’s autumn by taking a walk-through Hyde Park. He pictured himself wandering under the golden trees, enjoying the crisp air, and maybe sitting on a bench to read a book. But just as he entered the park, the famous London rain started. At first, it was just a light drizzle—something Johnny thought he could handle. But within minutes, it turned into a heavy downpour. Johnny’s clothes were soaked through, and his idea of a peaceful walk was quickly washed away.

He tried to open his small, travel-sized umbrella, but the wind immediately caught it, making it almost impossible to hold. Johnny struggled to keep the umbrella above his head, but it was no use—the rain was coming down in sheets, and his umbrella was no match for it. Seeing that he was losing the battle, Johnny quickly ran to the nearest café for shelter.

Inside, the café was warm and filled with the comforting smell of freshly brewed coffee. Johnny shook the water from his hair and ordered a cup of tea, trying to dry off. As he sat by the window, he watched the locals outside, who didn’t seem bothered by the rain at all. Some were even sitting outside under the awnings, casually sipping their drinks as the rain poured down. Johnny couldn’t help but smile at their calmness. He realized that the people of London were used to this kind of weather and knew how to enjoy the little things, like a hot drink on a rainy day.

Determined not to let the weather ruin his autumn experience, Johnny decided to try again the next day. This time, he was better prepared. He bought a large, sturdy umbrella that he thought could withstand the wind. He set out for a walk along the Thames River, thinking he could enjoy the views of the water and the city’s famous landmarks. But as soon as he reached the riverbank, he was met with another challenge—the strong London wind.

The wind howled through the streets, making it difficult to even stand still. Johnny’s new umbrella, which was supposed to be windproof, struggled against the gusts. At one point, the wind flipped the umbrella inside out, turning it into a twisted mess of metal and fabric. Johnny held on tight, trying to keep it from blowing away, but it was no use. With one final, powerful gust, the wind ripped the umbrella from his hands and sent it flying into the Thames.

Johnny stood on the bridge, watching as his umbrella floated away, feeling both frustrated and amused. He couldn’t believe how quickly things had gone wrong, but at the same time, he had to laugh at the situation. It seemed that London’s autumn was determined to test him at every turn.

As the days went by, Johnny began to understand that autumn in London was less about picture-perfect moments and more about learning to appreciate the unexpected. He started to notice the little things that made the city special during this season. He loved the way the city’s old buildings looked against the gray sky, the warm glow of the streetlights in the early evening, and the sound of rain tapping on the windows as he sat in a cozy café.

He also began to appreciate the people of London, who seemed to take the weather in stride. They didn’t let the rain or wind stop them from enjoying their day. Whether they were meeting friends for a coffee, taking a brisk walk through the park, or simply going about their daily routines, they did it with a sense of calm and resilience that Johnny admired.

One day, while walking to class, Johnny noticed a particularly plump pigeon sitting on a bench. The pigeon looked as if it owned the place, with its feathers fluffed up against the chill. Feeling a bit mischievous, Johnny offered the bird a piece of his sandwich. The pigeon eyed him warily before taking the offering with a quick peck. Johnny laughed, realizing that even the pigeons in London had their own personalities and quirks.

By the end of October, Johnny had fully adapted to life in London. He learned to carry a spare pair of socks in his bag, just in case he got caught in the rain again. He also started carrying a small flask of tea, so he could always have something warm to drink when the weather turned cold. He even began to enjoy the wind and rain, seeing them as part of the adventure of living in this vibrant city.

Autumn in London had taught Johnny that not everything goes as planned, but that’s what makes life interesting. He realized that the best way to enjoy the season was to embrace its challenges with a sense of humor and to find joy in the little things. By the time November arrived, Johnny was no longer worried about the rain or the wind. Instead, he looked forward to each day, knowing that no matter what the weather brought, it would be another opportunity to create new memories in the city he was starting to call home.

Victoria Lunar