I Held My Own Umbrella and Walked Away

Justin's voice carried a note of satisfaction.

"Summer has great taste. Whatever she picks is bound to be perfect. Here, let me put it on you."

He picked up the bracelet and fastened it around my wrist.

It was a little loose, and the clasp slid down to the back of my hand.

"A bit big?"

He frowned slightly.

"We can just get it adjusted later."

Summer lowered her eyes.

"Just an adjustment, it's no big deal."

Justin studied Summer's wrist for a moment.

"It's fine, we'll have the store resize the clasp later. Bonnie, do you like it?"

I looked at the loose chain on my wrist.

He hadn't done it on purpose.

It was just that when he picked out the gift,

what came to mind was Summer's taste.

Summer's size.

Summer's style.

And then he wrapped it all up as a surprise for me.

He probably even thought he'd put thought into it.

"It's lovely."

I slipped the bracelet off and set it back in the box.

Justin nodded, then turned to pour Summer a glass of water.

He cut off a piece of steak and set it at the edge of her plate.

"Why aren't you eating? You ordered it, so eat up."

I watched the side of his face as he bent his head, focused on cutting Summer's steak.

Sophomore year, when my tonsils were inflamed, he'd cut my food into small pieces just like that.

He was still just as attentive. Only the person had changed.

"Justin."

I looked at him.

He turned his head and cleared his throat.

"What is it? You don't like the steak here? Want to order something else?"

"I'm going to the restroom."

I stood up and took my coat and bag.

Justin glanced up.

"Go ahead, come back quick, dessert hasn't come yet."

I walked to the front desk.

Inside, Justin was still just as attentive, just as focused.

He didn't even notice my things were gone.

Out in the cold wind, the sting behind my eyes was almost unbearable.

I lifted my hand and took out my phone.

I flagged down a cab, and a few more tears slipped loose.

"To the train station, please."

My voice had gone hoarse.

I'd meant to say goodbye properly. I just couldn't get the words out.

Back in the restaurant, Summer ate in small bites and said softly,

"Justin, Bonnie's been gone a long time. Nothing's happened to her, has it?"

Justin wiped his hands, his tone certain.

"What could happen to her."

Beyond the window, a bullet train bound for Southvale melted into the endless night.