Onset of Evening

Embracing the onset of evening, the sky painted itself with hues of orange and pink, gently draping a tranquil enchantment over the city. Amidst the streets, weathered by the hands of time, strolled a couple, their love deepened by over five decades spent together.

Holding hands with fingers intertwined, they embarked on their quest for dinner, enjoying the shared moments.

The gentleman, his gray eyes a perpetual twinkle of affection, turned to his beloved with a smile that radiated warmth. “My dear,” his voice playful, a vessel of countless shared memories, began, “where shall we dine tonight?”

Her response, soft as a whisper carried by the wind, danced between them. “It matters not where we find ourselves, my love, for your choice is all I need.”

In the crinkle of his eyes, an unspoken understanding bloomed. 

Golden Arches

He saw the golden arches of McDonald’s beckoning from around the corner. A big black poster with gold lettering advertising a senior coffee discount was in its window.

While he proposed this fast-food haven, her gaze wandered to the opposite side of the street where Subway’s bright green and yellow sign promised a world of fresh sandwiches.

Healthier Option

“Subway is a healthier option,” her reply, like a petal brushed by a breeze, conveyed more than words. The five simple words were a testimony to the harmony and trust woven into their relationship.

“Then, Subway it is.” He desired to meet her wants more than his needs, shown by his words. 

Hand in hand, they crossed the street, arriving at their chosen destination. 

“Allow me.” He bowed, holding the door for her.

Inside the fragrant cocoon of Subway, they stood shoulder to shoulder, exploring the menu with a childlike curiosity. The shared decision-making transformed a simple meal into a cherished experience, with the food being of secondary importance. A playful touch of indecision described their discussion to get a foot-long sub.

Choices

“Does anything catch your eye, my dear?”

“No, my love. Your preferences are mine, and the joy of sharing is my desire.”

His smile widened; a silent agreement exchanged. Their gazes settled on the young man behind the counter. 

“We’ll have a foot-long Italian meatball on white bread,” he stated with a glint in his voice.

“Dear, although the Italian meatball tempts me, the Black Forest ham on wheat is healthier.”

“Change it to Black Forest ham on wheat bread, crowned with American cheese.”

“Ah, pepper jack might add a zestful twist,” she proposed.

“Pepper jack cheese it is.”

The young man behind the counter managed a slight shake of his head.

“Add lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, green peppers, and jalapeños…”

“Your desires intrigue me, my love, yet I think omitting jalapeños and pickles would suit our taste.”

“Let’s skip the jalapenos and pickles. Please add one squeeze, mayo,” he said with another sigh and a slight chuckle.

“Indeed. Maybe choose light mayo, for your health, and instead of the green peppers, spinach.”

With a slight shake of his head, he looked at the young man behind the counter. “Could we perhaps opt for the light mayo for a healthier choice and spinach instead of green peppers?”

The young man’s patience seemed to wear thin.

“Combo with chips and drink?” the server inquired.

“Yes, what do you want to drink?” he said, looking at his wife.

“Love, let’s remember our water and crisp apple slices at home. An economical choice would be wise. We can skip the chips and drink,” she interjected.

“Just the sub,” he said, grateful for her balanced judgment.

With a subtle droop of his eyelids, the server delicately rolls his eyes upward, conveying a mixture of exasperation and amusement.

An ordinary dinner, yet within its simplicity, love bloomed.

They walked home and dined on the back patio.

Your Preferences

“Thank you for tonight. Aren’t you glad I let your preferences guide us?” she purred playfully.

As they savored each bite of their sandwiches, they tasted not just the flavors, but the essence of their journey together. Amid the mundane, his gaze locked onto hers, and he said three simple words, “I love you,” where he conveyed his heart.

She returned his smile, her eyes echoing his twinkle.

“Love is patient, love is kind,” he recited softly, invoking words that resonated within their hearts.

As their meal wound to an end, rising from their chairs, she enfolded him in an embrace that transcended language.

In that moment, he felt the weight of those words.

This Subway encounter, seemingly trivial, unfolded as a symphony of love’s melodies, a sonnet of tenderness and compromise. Amid the world’s chaos, their love remained a steadfast anchor, found in the simple gestures they exchanged daily.

Time for Television

Leaving the patio for an evening of TV, hands intertwined, they knew their love was unbreakable, a bond that would withstand time and circumstance.

And they moved to the television room. He asked, “What do you want to watch, my dear?” he asked.

“No, my love. Your preferences are mine, and the joy of sharing is my desire.”

“Great. How about Top Gun: Maverick?”

“Okay, but I thought maybe a Hallmark Mystery Movie would be more in line with OUR preferences.”

“Hallmark Mystery Movie it is,” he said with a slight chuckle. He then took her right hand and kissed it.

Love is patient, Love is Kind

His choices reflected the verses of 1 Corinthians 13; Love is patient, love is kind. 

And she knew he cherished her.

_____

Note: A Love Story by Jimmie Aaron Kepler was a winner of the 2023 Flash Fiction Contest of the Writer’s Guild of Texas.