"Miss Florence. I repeat. Why did you go to the beach?" The officer asked again, a bit louder.

She wiped her forehead and raised her head.

"I go there every evening.... Umm just to...to take some fresh air." She finally gave an answer.

"Alright. I've taken your statement. Just wait here itself." The officer said as he took out his phone and went outside.

My dad gestured at me, telling me that he was going to talk to Ryan's father.
I nodded and sat next to my umbrella girl.

She was crying endlessly. Tears rolled down her cheeks. I wanted to hug her and pacify her. But I couldn't. Finally, I rested my hands on her left shoulder.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

She was crying so much that she could hardly let out her voice. She nodded a yes but I knew she wasn't. Being a victim of rape, it was surely not easy for her to overcome the trauma.

I wanted her to stop sobbing. I tried to tell her jokes but in vain. I realised that only Ryan could do that.

"I wish was a joker." I sighed.

To my surprise, she let out a small laugh. My face was filled with glow. I actually made her smile.

She smiled as she lowered her head. After about 2 minutes, she talked.

"You know. Today is my birthday, and I'm stuck here." She said as her smile widened.

It was her birthday! I didn't know what to do or what to say. I just looked at her and stared into her eyes.

"Life gives you trouble with interest." She said as she chuckled.

"Happy birthday. And I'm sorry." I said in a low voice.

"Sorry for what?" She asked.

"Just like that. I'm sorry." I replied.

She only smiled and said nothing. I knew she thought that I was stupid for being sorry but I knew why I was apologizing. If I hadn't asked Ryan to help me, he would have never sent Shane after her and she would not have been in this dilemma. However I was scared to tell her why Shane was following her, fearing that I might lose her forever.

"Miss Florence. We shall call your parents." The officer suddenly popped in and said.

She said nothing.

"Can I have their number?" The officer asked.

"I'm an orphan." My umbrella girl said in a low voice.

I felt my heart cracking inside. She was alone in this world. She had no parents and now she is in such a trouble because of me. I cursed myself so much at that time.