Write a short story of less than 600 words.

PEACE

©2004 by Mae Ondracek

It was such a beautiful moon-lit night that we decided to go for a walk. Pete and I loved to walk and outside was the best place for it. We donned our jackets and off we went

It’s funny how different things look at night and when I saw some flowers I said, “Those look just like our buttercups at home, don’t they, Pete?”

He looked and laughed, “Yes, but they aren’t. Those are cocks combs.”

“Well, I didn’t know you knew flowers that good. When did you learn about them?” I asked.

Pete’s face was partly hidden in the moon-light, but I could tell his face was red. He said, “Oh, we had to learn about flowers in school and I guess I just never forgot.”

I put my arm through his and said, “Well, I’m glad you never forgot.”

We continued in silence until a deer jumped across the road. We stood still, hoping to see another one, but no more came. “Do you want to go home, yet?” Pete asked.

“No, not with my big he-man beside me,” I said.

So we continued on in silence. The moon was coming up higher in the sky and it sure looked pretty. I remarked, “Isn’t it funny how the moon looks so different when we are out here in it?”

“Yes, it sure does. I’ve only been out walking in the moon-light once before. My car broke down about five miles from home and I had to walk then. I didn’t want to, but there was nothing else to do,” he said.

“I’m so glad you made it alright, otherwise I would never have met you,” I cooed up at him.

“Well, I’m thinking it’s time we headed back. We have gone quite a ways, don’t you think?” he asked.

“Okay,” I said, as we turned around to head back home. It wasn’t as pretty going this way, but still the moon shone brightly. Why, it was almost like daylight, I thought. I asked Pete, “How long do you think we’ve been walking?”

Pete shrugged his shoulders and said, “Gosh, I don’t know. Sure seems a long time, though.”

Suddenly Pete stopped and said, “Listen.”

If we listened real well, we could hear the church bell ringing. “Wow! Pete, we’ve been out here nearly two hours. I guess we had better get home. It is getting a little chilly out here, anyway,” I said.

So we hurried on our way and then Pete said, “I see it. There’s home.”

I looked up and said, “It sure is. But it’s been so nice out here walking with you, I don’t want it to ever end.”

When we were home at last Pete said, “Now, for a cup of hot chocolate and then to bed. How does that sound?”

Well, it sure sounded good to me and I hurriedly put the kettle on while we hung up our coats. Pete said, “That sure was a beautiful walk out there. We’ll have to do it again sometime, Okay?” and he drew me near for a big kiss.

After kissing him, I heard the teakettle making noise, so I pushed away, saying, “The rest can wait until later.”

We drank our hot chocolate and talked until midnight. It was so peaceful talking with Pete I didn’t mind the time until Pete said, “Well, I’m tired, how about you?”

I felt so peaceful that I just looked at Pete and shook my head, yes. This was our best time, yet.