By 4:30am I was awake and fully dressed for work in my jeans and plaid shirt, the one that Zelda once said made me look like a movie star. Whatever that means. I've never seen any movie star wear a plaid shirt. But if Zelda thought I looked like a movie star, that was good enough for me!
When opened my bedroom door, I could hardly wait to get to work. It was strange feeling but I relished it just the same. However, in order to work hard, one must have a good breakfast. I was no cook and I doubted that I could make a lavish breakfast like Mom always did, so I opted for the next best thing; cold cereal and milk. After finishing my breakfast, I cleaned my dishes and returned them sparking like new to the cupboard. And then I headed down to the store. When I got there, I stopped and looked around in amazement.
I'd never been in the store this early, not when the sun hadn't even begun to come out. Well, unless you counted the times that I'd snuck down here for a late-night snack. Oh sure, Mom always kept our refrigerator well-stocked, but can you blame a guy for wanting his pick from a million different items?
But now was no time to be looking for something to eat. There was work to be done. I pulled my apron over my head and looked out the window, mesmerized by the sight of the full moon. The light it created streamed into the window, creating a path across the tiled floor. And it was strange how beautiful it looked. This may sound completely crazy but I found myself wishing that Zelda were here with me, witness to this beautiful sight.
With a sigh I headed for the stockroom and grabbed a box cutter from the shelf. I'd been working so diligently that I barely heard the knock on the door. When it came again, a little louder this time, my head rose in surprise.
I put down my box cutter and went to the door. As I opened the door, my heart skipped a beat. For there in front of me was the girl I loved.
"I'm sorry I'm late." She said with a grin.
Overcome with love, I hugged her tightly, barely able to let go. And the kisses that accompanied that hug were nothing short of heavenly.
"You're right on time." I said reassuringly. "And you're beautiful."
Even in the moonlight I could see her blushing. "Dobie, I'm wearing jeans and a pink shirt. I'm hardly beautiful."
I smiled and kissed her again. "I beg to differ, my fair Zelda, for thou art lovelier than a full moon on a star-filled summer night."
She laughed, playfully trying to pull out of my arms. "We have work to do."
"You're absolutely right." I whispered. Silently I took her hand and led her into the store, beckoning her to follow me into the stockroom. When she slipped my mother's apron over her head, I had a vision of what could be our future. And it was wonderful.