Love Was the Lie — The Broken Umbrella

secret gets out, all of Chicago will laugh. I said nothing. Sophia took her phone from her and set an alarm. Exactly one minute later, it rang. What? Lulu is sick? How did she suddenly stop breathing, right? She answered it, and her voice instantly turned shaky. After hanging up, tears had already gathered in her eyes. She leaned forward toward the front seat.

Luca, the housekeeper says my dog is really sick. I know this is a lot, but she's been with me for ten years. I'm scared. Can you take me home first?

Luca pulled over and looked out at the rain. I saw his frown. I also saw his brief hesitation. In the end, his eyes landed on me.

Elena, I'll take Sophia to Lincoln Park first. Get out here and take a cab downtown. Sophia immediately handed me an umbrella, victory shining plainly in her eyes. I took it and opened the car door. Rain and cold wind rushed in. The umbrella's

reins were loose, and water dripped through two small holes onto my shoulder. Luca didn't get out. He only watched me through the car window, as if waiting for me to turn back and beg him. I didn't. The taillights vanished into the rain. I stood by the crib, holding the broken umbrella or sobbing, and suddenly let out

a soft half. Letting go didn't always mean screaming or sobbing. Sometimes, it was