Needed by Everyone, Wanted by No One

А Story With a Quirky Author

It’s interesting to observe how people treat the things in their lives as well as… people, and how they sometimes confuse one with the other. I stayed in the same place for quite some time and had the opportunity to look at all kinds of absurdities.

He was different — an old aristocrat with respect for both objects and his relationships with people. Not that it helped him to be happy all the time and to share his principles, but at least it left him with the feeling that he wasn’t betraying himself.

Some came through the door of his life, others went out; some lingered because they knew why, and others just filled their time because it was warm in his heart. He was at once passionate and skeptical. He had seen all sorts of things and wasn’t easily impressed. But one thing I will remember — the way he cared for me throughout our time together. He even went out with me when it wasn’t raining.

To him, I wasn’t just an umbrella — I was an addition to his clothing; a finishing touch on his arm, and a steady support because no matter how old he was, he wouldn’t resign himself to having to resort to the use of some cane. He was for the infirm who had rolled over in the rain of fatigue, unfulfilled dreams, and disappointments. That’s what I’ll remember him for — his head held proudly high and his penetrating gaze enjoying every drop of rain because he appreciated that as long as he could feel it, it meant he was alive.

I know why he left me in that neighborhood coffee shop. He was aware that when he came home he would close his eyes and never open them again. For some time I harbored anger because I could not accept that he had forgotten me. I was used to feeling needed; to facing rainy days as well as sunny ones. I shielded him from the drivers who delighted in spraying poor passers-by. I admired his stoicism in talking to his deceased wife every night and caressing her in his thoughts. He had been through a lot, he could have been through more, but that was his fate.

And me… it had destined me to stand here waiting for a customer to show up who had forgotten his umbrella. Every time it rained outside and someone came in, I shuddered. Some people would push me away and I’d pray they didn’t pick me up at the end of the night. I knew this couldn’t end well. Who knows how I’d end up in some container and say goodbye to my dreams of being held by some lovely lady with a fluffy coat and gentle hands. I knew I shouldn’t be too pretentious, but that was how I was used to it — wanting the best.

One frowning afternoon a young man came in with a jacket over his head and a red rose speckled with drops of water. He shook himself and looked around. He had reserved a private table for two. The time was ten to four. He ordered a coffee and made himself comfortable in anticipation. It was getting interesting. I wondered if these were my new owners.

I pressed my spokes so she wouldn’t have an umbrella either. Fifteen minutes passed. I glanced at the front door. It had started to rain like a bucket. The bell above the door rang. I had grown sick of that noise, but now it sounded like a beautiful melody. She walked in. She was wet to the bone, but wearing a puffy coat and a hood. “Oh, yes!” I thought.

He got up and met her. He took her coat and put it on the hanger above me. It splashed me, but this was heaven for me, since I hadn’t had a drink of water in so long… I kept praying the waiter would trip and pour me something, be it even hot coffee. A delicate chain fell out of her coat pocket and right onto me. She didn’t notice. She was entranced by her suitor.

They sat down. He gave her the rose. They held hands and talked smiling for several hours. All those trivial and yet wonderful things that everyone dreams of experiencing; that no one tires to wish to experience.

Here, they decided to leave the café. I held my breath. I swallowed my polyester belly. I had to look good after all. He helpfully put on her coat. Then he put on his own. Nothing. They didn’t look at me at all. And it was still raining outside. I think he wanted to make himself look like a man who wasn’t scared by some rain. And come on, she had her hood up too. I frowned. All my fuzzies and conkers stood up. Was I going to be left alone like this? The chain was scared too and hissed with metal teeth.

They approached the door. I told myself, “It’s now or never!” I gathered all my strength and shivered. The result wasn’t what I imagined, but at least it got to the point where I opened up and the chain fell to the floor and rattled. The girl turned and saw it.

- Oh, my chain! There, it’s gone in my pocket. It’s fallen off, apparently. Let’s ask if this umbrella belongs to anyone. Look how it’s raining, I don’t want you to get wet. - Oh, it’s no problem. — the boy squeaked and seemed to get 10 cm taller. “Don’t be an idiot,” I said. You’re in love anyway, I know you’re a bit of a fool, but there’s no need for more…” - Come on, please… - Well, okay, we’ll take it.

They asked the bartender, who replied with indifference that they could have me, and I was a little affected by his reaction. Hmm, now he can trip, fall, and flood all the customers several times a day, I didn’t care.

They took me in their arms. Her hand was gentle, his… masculine, but it felt good to be held together. I hadn’t experienced that in a long time. At least 20 years…

We took off into the night. He and she thought it was just the two of them, but I knew it wouldn’t be the same without me. I was their common extension. I loved the warmth of their palms.

I felt reborn and younger. Like I wasn’t an object. I had a purpose to live again.

I wish everyone felt that way. Whether they are a thing or a person.

I wish people would be kind to each other not just during the holidays. I hope this story will inspire you to appreciate someone in your life the way they deserve.

This story is a response to the December writing challenge of Surekha Chandrasekhar. Thanks for that!

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