#SpringFlingKidLit Contest 2022

Huge shout out to Allison Strick who is not only an amazing illustrator but also a mind reader. I requested a gif of an umbrella and she produced something that fit my story so well!

Isabella’s Umbrella

The clouds rolled in, carrying with them a cold, gray rain.

Umbrella stood at attention in the foyer.

Isabella would leave for school soon.

Reporting for duty! Umbrella wanted to shout, but her mouth was closed up tight.

Umbrella could be counted on through sprinkles, showers and sleet.

But something had been bothering the protective gadget.

She longed to smile.

Good umbrellas aren’t allowed.

Frowns keep the humans dry.

Maybe just once…

As Isabella walked, rain battered Umbrella.

Still she held her frown, letting the drops ricochet off her. They felt like marbles.

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Would the rain ever stop?

With each stinging droplet, Umbrella shivered and shook.

She needed a break.

She needed to smile.

Umbrella twisted her ribs ever so slightly.

The wind did the rest.

FWOOP!

Relief was raindrops pooling into puddles in her upturned mouth.

Umbrella was happy.

And Isabella was soaked.