The Good Life (2nd Place)

Carolyn lay on a black comforter in the freshly mown grass -- Her eyes fixed upon the wondrous stars above. The gentle breeze caressed her. Jacob sneezed.

“Gesundheit,” She said in response.

“Allergies,” He sniffled.

“Poor thing. Grass doesn’t bother me much. Guess I’m lucky.”

“You have no idea.” He wiped his nose, and rubbed his puffy eyes. “You seem unusually happy.”

“I do?” A bit of shock contained in her voice.

“Even our last vacation you didn’t seem this relaxed.”

“I loved our last vacation on the beach with the ocean. One year ago today wasn’t it?”

“Well, yeah.” Jacob chuckled. “Don’t you remember?”

“Oh, I forgot the date.” She laughed. “This is a great spot. Your Mom and Dad’s house always has the best view on top of this little knoll.”

“Only you, an English major, would call it a knoll.”

She stuck out her tongue in feigned disdain. Jacob wrapped his arm around her and she snuggled beside him. She’d just become aware of how cool her skin was relative to the warmth of his arms around her. She was the picture of happiness.

“I am in a good mood.” She stated after a long pause, just enjoying his presence. “You know in all of our travels of twelve countries, there’s no other place I’d rather be than right here,” She looked in his eyes twinkling in the moonlight, “with you.”

“Awww…” Jacob kissed her.

“How many years have we known each other?”

“Seven. Married for five.”

“What were our plans back then?”

“Get married. Finish college. Travel. Have a baby about five years in…”

“Oh. I guess we’re right on schedule then.”

“What?”

At that moment the first firework went up in the sky. The pink and blue sparkled on her face as her grin shown through.


300 Words
Flash Story Must contain: Allergies, Vacation, Picture