Rain was falling when I left work.
Crowds huddled near the building’s entrance, waiting for rides.
After saying goodbye to colleagues,

I stood alone, watching the rain intensify.
I rummaged in my bag. I forgot my umbrella at home.
All these years, I’d gotten used to him picking me up; used to not carrying an umbrella.
Habits are terrifying things.
I adjusted my bag and stepped into the downpour.
After only a few steps, someone grabbed my arm.

The rain stopped above me. I saw Liam's face, dripping wet,
"Sophie, it's pouring, let me drive you—"
"Don't touch me!"
I yanked my arm free and headed towards the subway.

He followed close behind, holding the umbrella over me.
"Sophie, you'll get sick!"
"Be mad at me, fine, but don't hurt yourself!"
"Please, just take the umbrella—"
"Go away!"
I stopped, whirled around, screaming at him,
"GO! I said GO!"
"Stop bothering me! I don't want to see you! I won't believe a damn word you say!"
"Got it? Get away from me! Leave! LEAVE!"
My voice was raw and hysterical.
My vision blurred. Was it rain or tears? I couldn't tell.
I got soaked to the skin, shivering violently.
I'd been fine all day before he appeared.
I had handled work, joked with colleagues, and even started planning a trip.
Why did seeing Liam shatter me?
Liam's umbrella fell during my shoving him. The wind whipped the umbrella away.
His expensive suit was plastered to him.
Liam stood frozen, absorbing the insults.
He just stared at me with his lips moving silently, maybe forming my name.
Seeing him shattered like that didn't gratify me.
It just felt... heavy, like the distressing weather.
People waiting for cabs under the cover stared at us.
I didn't want to be a spectacle.
I took a deep breath, steadied myself, and walked away without looking back.
I took a long, hot bath when I got home.
I felt a sniffle coming and took some medicine to prevent having a cold.
Just as I lay down, an unknown number called,
"Sophie, you ungrateful brat! Blocking your own mother?!"
"I've been frantic trying to find you!"
"Liam cut his wrists! Did you know?!"
"ER, Second Floor, City General. Get here now! Do you hear me?!"