Janitor Finds Gym Floor Filled With Umbrellas, Then Reads the Note Left for Him

A black one

The umbrella was black, the only one without color. Its fabric looked worn, its wooden handle chipped from use. It wasn’t tossed carelessly.

It was positioned carefully, like a centerpiece for the entire display. Around the handle was a small piece of twine, and tucked beneath it was something folded tight—an envelope sealed shut with dark wax.