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“Nice to meet you both,” she shook each of our hands. “Look around, take your time. If you need anything, I’ll be here,” she smiled kindly, moving behind the register where she appeared to be organizing something.
I scanned down the aisles, picking up things here and there. I came to a small plaque, about as long as my hand and not very wide. It was wood and painted blue on all the sides except the front, where a Volkswagen Beetle was painted. But that wasn’t what had caught my eye. It was the quote.
“’Life is but a breath—live it well,’” I whispered, reading it off the plaque.
“What’s that?” Trace asked, appearing over my shoulder. I held it up where he could see and he read the quote aloud as well. “Huh. That makes you think.”
I nodded, thinking of how my own life had almost been snuffed out and Gramps’ was coming to a close.
Nothing guaranteed that we’d get to live to be old and gray. Each of us was only allotted so much time here on earth and it was up to us to decide how to live it. I wanted to make every moment count. I didn’t want to have regrets.
“I’m buying this,” I informed him, holding onto the small plaque.
“No,” he took it from my hand, “I’m buying it for you. I’m your husband now,” he kissed the corner of my mouth, “so you better get used to me spoiling you. I know you don’t like it and I let you off the hook while we were dating. But now we’re married. So, it’s my job to take care of you.”
“Fine,” I agreed, “but only because it’s cheap.”
“It wouldn’t matter if it wasn’t. I’d still buy it,” he sauntered off, investigating another part of the store.
I laughed under my breath at him.
I came to the book Margaret had been talking about. I picked it up, flipping through the pages. I didn’t think I’d ever be able to turn pieces of paper into art, but a part of me wanted to try, so I tucked the book under my arm and grabbed one of the kits she’d also told me about. I didn’t think a kit was actually necessary, but if it could help me not suck at origami, then I’d give it a shot. After all, I needed a hobby. With school over, and no permanent teaching position, I needed something to distract my mind.
I met Trace at the register and he paid for the items.
“I’m glad you decided to try the origami,” Margaret commented as she bagged our stuff.
“Me too,” I smiled kindly at her. “Hopefully I won’t suck at it.”
“Origami isn’t that hard, but it does take patience. It’ll take you a couple of tries until you get it right. Just don’t give up.”
“I’ll make sure she doesn’t,” Trace assured her, taking the
silver bag from her.
“If you live nearby and have any trouble, feel free to swing by and I’ll help you. I’m here every day,” she leaned her elbows on the counter.
“Sorry,” I frowned, “but we’re not from here.”
“I didn’t think you looked like locals,” she laughed. “Enjoy your time here,” she smiled.
“Thanks,” I waved lamely at her as I started towards the door. I looked up at the paper stars one more time before exiting onto the street. There was something about looking at them that made me feel at peace.
Trace’s hand wound around my waist and his lips brushed against my forehead as we continued down the street.
“Did you bring a dress with you?” He asked.
“No,” I shook my head. “Why? Do I need one?”
“Not necessarily,” he shrugged. “I thought if we were going to sing tonight you’d look beautiful in a dress.”
I glanced down at my tank and shorts feeling underdressed. I didn’t want creepy old guys staring at my legs and chest. At least a dress would cover more.
“A dress would be nice,” I admitted.
“Good,” he grinned. “I’m glad you see things my way. I was expecting an argument.”
“Am I really that argumentative?” I questioned curiously.
