I brought a yellow umbrella to hall, not knowing when I'd need it; just brought it along because it was thrust upon me by my mom.

"Just take it..."
"No! It's not as if I'll ever use it. I prefer walking in the rain."
"Take it, just in case..."
"Ah.. all right all right!"

It comes in the ugliest shade of yellow. Something like Phua Chu Kang's boots, but with a tinge of orange so that it looks more "obiang". I hid it deep in the recesses of the drawer of my study table. And there it has faithfully lain for weeks, untouched, unnoticed, unused. Until today.

"Take it, just in case..."

I brought the umbrella along just in case the rain got really heavy. I never meant to use it. Just in case, you know?

But I did use it in the end. It was embarrassing. There I was, fumbling with the umbrella coz it wouldn't cooperate. It just didn't seem to be able to open properly. I could have sworn that people who were walking past were sniggering at that girl who couldn't even open an umbrella. I was so sure that the umbrella was getting it's own back at me.

Anyway, back to the story: my way to school is partially sheltered. Which means that at times, I don't need the umbrella. Most folded their umbrellas. But because I didn't want to run the risk of the umbrella not opening again, so I kept it open. To lessen the un-cool effect, I started twirling it like I meant to play with it. However, coupled with the bright yellow of the umbrella I felt like I was acting in "Singing in the Rain".

But as I walked, the umbrella offering an unexpected sense of comfort, of security, I suddenly realised how thankful I was that I had it with me. That's how my mom makes me feel sometimes-absolutely embarrassed to be seen with her, yet still dependent on her for shelter from the rain.

She'd be there, just within my reach. Although sometimes neglected and kept away in the drawer, she'd always be there, with a yellow, sunshiny-smile to brighten up any cloudy day, if I'd just ask.

Always there....

Just in case.