Golden Bird

As the couple pulled out of the drive in David's brand new dark blue G.M.C. truck, Edith waved and smiled to herself. She'd been right about that David Wilson-ever since he had come into their lives, Sara had regained the sparkle in her eyes that had been put out by that two-timing doctor she had married.

The sun was just setting as David and Sara sat down at one of the patio tables in front of the Saxon Campground Canteen. The couple had just finished playing a round of miniature golf and was hungry. They each ordered a chili dog, and though they would have preferred beer, they settled on Sprite since alcohol was not sold on the premises Sara waved the score cord in the air. "Are you sure you counted all your shots? I can't believe you beat me! Look at this...now come on...you don't expect me to believe you got through the windmill in one shot?"

David assumed an air of mock solemnity, placed his right hand on the scorecard on the table, and held his left hand up in front of him. "So help me God, your honor, I am innocent of any wrong doing."

Sara's eyes narrowed as she tried to appear serious. "Are you sure you sure you didn't kick that ball while I was tying to get over the bridge?"

David shook his head as he bit into the soft bun overflowing with chili.

"You're not taking my grievance seriously, are you?"

David shook his head again and swallowed. "Not a bit." He grinned, then ducked as Sara threw a balled up paper napkin at him. She missed hitting her target, and they both burst out laughing.

Sara tried to control her outburst once she noticed they had attracted the attention of a family of campers sitting at an adjacent table. She put her finger to her lips and between suppressed giggles said, "Ssssh, we must stop being so silly and act like mature adults." This only succeeded in another fit of laughter, leaving the two of them wiping their eyes and trying to catch their breath. Somehow they managed to calm down enough so that they were able to eat their chili dogs without choking.

David glanced at his watch. "It's still early yet. Do you want another round or would you like to go home?" he asked as they got up from the table.

It was a warm evening. The air was very still, and as twilight gave way to the night, bright stars began to dot the blackened sky. Sara gazed upwards and with a silent prayer, she thanked God she was finally over the worst. Oh the pain was still there, but it no longer overwhelmed her, and of course much of the credit belonged to David. He made her feel lovable again. She slipped her arm through his and steered him towards the car.