• Umbrella •

Drip drip drip

The bittersweet rain flowed down the light blue sky that was now completely submerged with the thunderous black clouds. The bustle of the streets were no different from any other day in the big city; businessmen ran in to catch the next taxi, woman with caked faces and attires more expensive then the car they ride, little children jumping at every opportunity to splash in the satisfying puddles. Yes, life went on for everyone as normal.

It was only for Mari that time stopped.

Dripping down her face, soaking her clothes and hair, the rain poured. Mixing with the salty tears that so blandly dripped down her face her expression almost unreadable, but as if it were completely empty. She sat there on the drenched bench, each bystander walking on having problems of their own to solve.

Mari was the only one alone.

The steps drew closer, only to vanish in the far distance. But the next pair were different... soft short steps that drew closer and closer. That didn't seem to pass, it was as if they stopped right in front. It was no longer cold, the rain no longer poured.

Mari looks up to see a boy just her age and that's when it started.

When time began again.

When the umbrella changed everything.