The new umbrella

Dialogue only story

Words 368

“What a terrible day. The weathermen didn’t forecast this deluge, did they?”

“No, they’re hopeless. They always get it wrong.

“How come you’re standing under that gloriously decorated umbrella then?”

Oh, I’m sorry would you like to share it? It’s certainly big enough for two.”

“Thanks, I will, that’s very kind of you. So, you always carry this umbrella just on the off chance the skies will suddenly open?”

“Oh no, I stole it from that shop over there.

“Stole it!”

“Yeah, they had lots of them. Would you like me to get you one? Or I could just show you how easy it is.”

“Well, it is a beautiful umbrella. It’s a bit conspicuous though don’t you think? I mean with those red lobsters scattered all over it, it would make it very easy to spot if the shop owners are looking out for it.”

”You’re thinking something a bit more subdued then?”

“I actually wasn’t thinking of theft at all, to tell you the truth.”

”Needs must, old man, sometimes the universe steers one in strange, unexpected directions.”

“You’re not a regular thief then?”

”No, not unless it’s pouring with rain and I discover I have no money and I’m getting very wet.”

“Oh, that’s all right then. I suppose. How long before the bus arrives?”

”Twenty minutes or so, we just missed one.”


”Oh, you’re back, mate. Where did you nip off to?”

“I thought you could do with a new umbrella too. Do you like the banana design?”

“Bananas? You’ve got to be joking.”

“They were half price. Well… morally half price.”

“You actually went back in there after that conversation?”

“Confidence is key. Walk in like you belong, walk out like it was always yours.”

“I can’t believe this is happening.”

“Relax, no one ever suspects a man with fruit on his umbrella.”

“The lobsters and bananas are going to start a theme.”

“A tropical seafood vibe. Very now.”

“When the passengers in the bus see this collection, they’ll start asking questions.”

“That’s just your guilty conscience speaking.”

“I don’t like this. I really don’t.”

“Too late now. Look—here comes the bus.”

“Promise me this is the last umbrella.”

“Unless they have pineapples.”

Written for Dialogue 500. Prompt: write about two people standing in the rain.