British Bedmate

by Penelope Ward

“You’ve been thinking with your head for a very long time. While that makes for a very safe existence, we sometimes inadvertently inhibit our true happiness when we do this. Life choices shouldn’t always be about the end result. People fail to realize that the small adventures in the middle are sometimes more important. When you’re old, you’re going to reflect on your life and everything is just going to be one big ball of memories anyway. Why not have something worthwhile to look back at?”

Simon placed his wine glass down on the counter and took something out of his back pocket. It was his fortune from tonight. He smacked it down on the granite then said, “Happy birthday.” I stood there and watched as he then left to go back to his room. The small strip of paper was taunting me. I picked it up and read it. The greatest risk is not taking one.

“I didn’t mean that you weren’t. You just…I don’t know, dear. I suppose the best way to describe it is sometimes we lose our spark. It doesn’t mean we’re not happy. There are just certain times in life when, for whatever reason, we go through the motions without feeling the zest for life. You know? Think about it, when was the last time you enjoyed a sunset like you did tonight? You were absolutely radiant watching it this evening.”