Finding light in the darkest places—through love

Evelyn didn't know why she was still awake.

The dorm room was dark, save for the soft glow of her bedside lamp. Her roommate, Cassidy, was fast asleep, her quiet breathing the only sound filling the space.

But Evelyn's mind refused to rest. Her thoughts kept drifting back to the black umbrella propped against her desk.

Adrian's umbrella.

She had told herself she'd return it first thing in the morning. Yet, she hadn't stopped thinking about their walk in the rain, about his words—about how sometimes the best things happen when you don't overthink them.

A sudden vibration snapped her out of her thoughts. Her phone screen lit up with a message.

Adrian: Are you asleep?

Evelyn hesitated before typing back.

Evelyn: No. Why?

Adrian: Good. Open your window.

She frowned. Open her window? Was he—

Her heart skipped as she stood, pulling back the curtain.

Sure enough, he stood outside under a streetlight, hands shoved in his hoodie pockets.

He grinned when he saw her.

She opened the window just enough to hiss,

"Are you insane?"

"Possibly,"

he admitted.

"But I figured I'd check in on my umbrella."

Evelyn rolled her eyes.

"It's fine. You'll get it back tomorrow."

He leaned casually against the building.

"You sure? Looked like it meant a lot to you earlier."

She narrowed her eyes.

"You walked all the way here just to tease me?"

"Nah."

His voice softened.

"Just thought you might still be awake."

Evelyn paused. Something about the way he said it made her chest feel tight.

"Why?"

Adrian shrugged.

"Dunno. You always seem like you have a lot on your mind."

She swallowed. He wasn't wrong.

"…I just overthink things,"

she admitted, barely above a whisper.

He smiled.

"Yeah, I've noticed."

They fell into silence, but it wasn't uncomfortable.

The night air was crisp, carrying the distant hum of the city.

After a moment, Adrian tilted his head.

"Want to go for a walk?"

Evelyn blinked.

"What?"

"A walk. Right now. Spontaneous decision."

"Adrian, it's almost midnight."

"So?"

He grinned.

"Live a little."

She should say no.

She should go back to bed. But…

Evelyn glanced at the umbrella again.

Then, without overthinking it, she grabbed her jacket.

"Give me five minutes."

Adrian's smile widened.

"Atta girl."