30/05/2026
Under One Umbrella
The rain started falling on a quiet afternoon in Burnham Park. Leah stood beneath a waiting shed near the walking paths, hugging her bag close to her chest. Dark clouds covered the sky, and the scent of rain mixed with the cool air of Baguio.
She sighed as she watched people rush by with umbrellas. She had forgotten hers at home.
A few moments later, a young man came running through the rain, using his backpack as a shield. His shoes splashed through puddles as he hurried toward the shed.
When he reached the shelter, he laughed at himself.
"I don't think my backpack did much," he said.
Leah couldn't help but smile. "At least you tried."
The young man extended his hand. "I'm Gabriel."
"Leah."
What began as a simple introduction turned into an easy conversation. They talked about school, favorite cafés, and the places they liked to visit around Baguio. Minutes turned into an hour without either of them noticing.
When the rain finally softened into a drizzle, Gabriel looked outside.
"I need to head to town. Want to walk together?"
Leah hesitated for a second before nodding.
Gabriel opened his umbrella, and they stepped out into the cool afternoon. The streets glistened from the rain, reflecting the lights of passing vehicles. As they walked toward Malcolm Square, they found themselves laughing at the smallest things.
A passing jeepney splashed water near the sidewalk, causing them both to jump back at the same time.
"That was close," Leah said, laughing.
"Good thing I saved us."
"Saved us? You jumped farther than I did."
Gabriel placed a hand over his chest dramatically. "My hero moment is ruined."
Their laughter echoed through the damp streets.
At Malcolm Square, they stopped by a small vendor selling hot street food. The chilly weather made everything smell even more inviting.
Leah bought fish balls while Gabriel insisted on paying for the drinks.
"You don't have to do that," she said.
"I know," he replied. "I want to."
For a moment, Leah felt her cheeks grow warm despite the cold weather.
As evening approached, they continued walking toward SM City Baguio. The fog slowly rolled over the hills, creating a dreamy view from the terrace.
Inside the mall, they bought coffee and found a seat near the windows. Outside, the city lights sparkled against the wet streets below.
The conversation became deeper.
They talked about their dreams, fears, and the things they hoped to accomplish someday. Gabriel shared how he wanted to start his own business. Leah spoke about her dream of becoming a teacher.
It felt strange how comfortable they were with each other despite having met only a few hours earlier.
As the mall began to quiet down, Leah checked the time.
"Oh no. It's getting late."
The smile on Gabriel's face faded slightly.
"Yeah. I guess it is."
Neither of them stood immediately.
Neither wanted the day to end.
Finally, they made their way toward the exit. The rain had stopped completely, leaving behind cool air and shining streets.
Near the taxi stand, Gabriel took a deep breath.
"I know this might sound strange since we just met today..."
Leah looked at him curiously.
"...but I had a really great time."
She smiled.
"Me too."
Gabriel pulled out his phone.
"Would it be okay if I asked for your number?"
Leah laughed softly.
"I was wondering how long it would take you to ask."
A few weeks later, the rainy afternoon became coffee dates, long walks, and countless messages. Months later, they found themselves back at Burnham Park, standing beneath the same shelter where they had first met.
The sky was gray once again, and the first drops of rain began to fall.
Gabriel smiled as he opened an umbrella.
"Looks like we're stuck here again."
Leah slipped her hand into his.
"Good," she said. "That's where all the best things started."
And as the rain fell gently over Baguio, they stood together beneath one umbrella, grateful for the storm that had brought them into each other's lives.
