The Umbrella

Red Umbrella

Return to Verona

Robert and Jeanne had been looking forward to their vacation in Verona for months. They had met and fallen in love in the city of Romeo and Juliet five years ago, and decided to celebrate their anniversary by revisiting the places where their romance had blossomed. They booked a cozy apartment near the Piazza delle Erbe, packed their bags with light clothes and sunscreen, and boarded a flight from New York to Venice.

They arrived in Verona on a sunny morning in June, feeling excited and nostalgic. They took a taxi from the airport to their apartment, where they were greeted by a friendly host who showed them around. The apartment was small but charming, with wooden beams, colorful tiles, and a balcony overlooking the street. Robert and Jeanne unpacked their suitcases and freshened up before heading out to explore the city.

They walked hand in hand along the cobblestone streets, admiring the ancient buildings, the lively markets, and the beautiful fountains. They stopped at a café for some espresso and gelato, then visited the famous Casa di Giulietta, where they kissed under the balcony where Juliet supposedly declared her love for Romeo. They also wrote their names on a wall covered with graffiti from other lovers who had visited the site.

They continued their stroll until they reached the Adige river, which flowed through the heart of Verona. They crossed one of the many bridges that spanned the waterway and found themselves in a quiet park with green lawns and shady trees. They decided to sit on a bench and enjoy the view of the river and the city.

The Rescue

As they sat on the bench, Robert noticed something floating in the water. It was a red umbrella, partially submerged and drifting with the current. He pointed it out to Jeanne.

“Look at that,” he said. “Someone must have dropped their umbrella.”

Jeanne looked at it too. She felt a sudden pang of sympathy for whoever had lost it. She imagined that it was someone’s favorite accessory or souvenir or gift from someone special.

“That’s so sad,” she said. “Maybe we can get it out.”

Robert raised his eyebrows.

“Really? How?”

Jeanne scanned the area for possible ways to reach it. She saw a wooden stick lying on the ground nearby.

“Maybe we can use that stick,” she suggested.

Robert shrugged.

“Okay,” he said. “Let’s try.”

He got up from the bench and picked up the branch. He walked over to where the umbrella was floating closest to the shore. He leaned over the edge of the riverbank and tried to hook the handle of the umbrella with the stick. He missed. He tried again. He missed again. The umbrella kept moving away from him, carried by the current. Jeanne watched him from the bench, cheering him on.

“Come on, you can do it!” she shouted.

Robert smiled at her, then focused on his task. He adjusted his angle and swung the branch once more. This time, he managed to catch the handle of the umbrella. He pulled it towards him, careful not to lose his balance or drop his prize. He lifted it out of the water, shaking off some droplets that splashed onto his face. He held it up triumphantly, looking at Jeanne.

“I got it!” he exclaimed.

Jeanne clapped her hands and ran over to him. She hugged him and kissed him,

“You’re amazing!” she said.

Robert laughed

and handed her the umbrella.