“That day…”

Nick and Judy were enjoying their day off, sipping smoothies happily in this place Nick had recommended near the Zootennial Stadium. They sat side-by-side on a bench looking toward the beautiful venue and the beach.



Nick: “Hey, Carrots! I’m wondering…”

Judy: “What now, Slick? 😊”

Nick: “What’s your birthday?”

Judy: “You didn’t look up my birthday in the system?”

Nick: “I haven’t. I feel it’s … more proper to know from you directly. To hear it from your mouth.”

Judy: “Heh. Okay. Exact same date, next month. So… you have exactly 30 days to prepare me a present 😉”

Nick: 😳 (Fell into silence.)

Judy: …

Nick: …

Judy: “… what’s wrong Nick? What’s with the sudden silence?”

Nick: (Slowly pulled out the red handkerchief he always carry) “Remember this, Carrots?”

Judy: (Looked at the red handkerchief) “That’s… the handkerchief you tended my wound with, back at the Natural Museum. Yes, I remember it. Why?”

Nick: (Slowly unfolding the red handkerchief) “Remember my story about me joining the Junior Rangers? As it happens, this is the neck kerchief I wore that fateful evening…”

Judy: …

Nick: (Looked at one corner of the handkerchief) “I had my mom sewn in the date of that day. Because I was very happy and excited. I thought…” (Nick’s voice broke)

Judy: (Shuffled closer to Nick and gently rested her paw on his arm)

Nick: “… I– I thought, that day would be the day my dreams would come true…”



Judy: (Gasped as Nick showed her the date sewn into the kerchief, then covered her mouth with both paws, looking at the fox with misty eyes)

Nick: “Turns out, I wasn’t wrong. It was the day my dream would come true.”

“It was the day you were born.”





(insp)

