Umbrella

I felt the first few raindrops fall on my head as I rushed out of the house. I frantically searched my bag for my umbrella, which I, of course, forgot in my hurry. Cursing to myself, I ran faster.

This was not turning out to be a good day at all. In a few hours, I was to present in class, and, surprise surprise, I crammed the presentation last night (more like this morning) and woke up late because of that.

Then, when I got up, everything that could go wrong just decided to culminate in one morning: no hot water, forgot to prep my breakfast the night before (supposedly some overnight oats), left my prepacked lunch for the day, couldn’t find my keys. Add to that the fact that I didn’t have my umbrella, and I feared that the rain would get to my files and papers before I could get to class.

Yep, not a good day at all.

I sighed and gritted my teeth. Nothing I can do now but make the best of it.

I ran towards the bus stop, which was just a few streets away, but I could already feel the drops fall heavier on me with every step. I hugged my bag close to my chest in hopes to protect what papers I could, when I stumbled due to a crack in the sidewalk and fell face down into a puddle in the middle of the street.

I quickly got up, rubbing my forehead, and looked down to see my clothes and my bag covered in dirt. At that precise moment, not knowing what to do, I cried loudly, not caring who would hear me.

I couldn’t believe this was happening, of all days Lady Luck wouldn’t be on my side. Why couldn’t I be given just one day, one day to-

“Miss, are you okay?”

With tears still streaming from my eyes, I looked up to see a guy extending his arm to offer me his handkerchief. I could see that part of his shirt was getting wet because of how he held his umbrella over my head. I blushed.

“I’m fine,” I stammered. “I just tripped and-“

“Here, clean yourself up.” He pressed the handkerchief in my hand, and I took it shyly. “And come, let’s see if you can get up.” He took my hand gently in his warm one and helped me up. He then motioned me to follow him to the shelter of the bus stop, so we walked together towards it.

“You seem in no condition to go anywhere, looking like that,” he said pointedly, looking at my dirtied outfit. I hugged my bag close to my chest. “I’d suggest you go home, get changed, rest a bit.”

I was about to open my mouth to protest when I heard my phone beep. I took it out immediately and saw the message:

Morning classes have been cancelled. Presentations will be rescheduled to next week.

My heart leapt and I instantly relaxed.

“Good news?” His sudden words gave me a shiver, and I looked up to see his concerned eyes. I nodded. “Yes, thank you for asking. I’m so sorry for-“

He shook his head. “No, don’t be. I’m happy to help.” He smiled at me as a bus pulled into the station.

“Well, I have to go. I hope you’ll be all right, miss.” With a nod of the head, he boarded the bus.

I stared at it until it left, until the rain stopped pouring a few minutes after. When it did, I smiled and walked back home, my heart aflutter.

–

Image source: deviantart.com/eiwa/art/umbrella-17913276
First written April 14, 2018.
#189