The droplets of rain pitter-pattered the top of her yellow umbrella...

She could hear each one, as if the delicate drops some how thudded, carrying with them the weight of the world. Outside the air was crisp, just cold enough to mind having to wait for him by the car door. Allison and Todd had been "seeing" each other for almost a year. Nobody really knew that though. It had been their choice to keep things casual, but Allison loved him. She loved him after the first several weeks of five-hour long chats outside under the stars near her apartment door. Her whole life she had been praying for someone like him to come around. About a year and a half ago she thought she had found him. Life happens though, as do unexpected surprises that are not so happy and welcomed. Just as quickly as it began, that first engagement fell through like a shot out of the dark and her prince charming was gone. His leaving knocked the wind out of her sails, carrying with it a large portion of her heart, trust, and confidence. Given to her during this time, her yellow umbrella was to be a symbolic reminder to not be afraid of singing in the rain. Ironically, here she was nearly two years later hanging onto it's little duck-billed handle as rain thuded overhead. She wondered if Todd could ever love her. He came meandering to her side having just completed his midnight shift. Under the rain, the darkened sky and her little umbrella, they talked for nearly another hour. Finally, without warning, he looked at her with meaning and intent. "Allison, I love you." She couldn't believe it. He had said it! She was shocked silent. Quickly, not knowing what else to do, she grabbed a hold of her car keys and drove off, without ever saying a word.