The inquisitive one exchanged a few messages with someone cute on a dating app. The person’s profile mentioned art collecting; co-ed, pick-up soccer; and creating sculptures out of acorns, old car parts, and toenail clippings. They decided to meet at a bar in the city, the next day after work.
The inquisitive one arrived at the bar and sat on a stool next to the date. The date’s face, neck, and arms were coated in a thick layer of sweat. The sweat glistened in the dim lights of the bar.
“I was almost late getting here,” said the date. “Things got crazy at the end of my work day. I scrambled to finish everything. Then I had to ride four Metro lines and take three buses to get here. And I had to run the last two miles on foot. But luckily I wasn’t late. I hate tardiness!”
“Oh,” said the inquisitive one.
“What do you like to do for fun?” said the date.
“Well,” said the inquisitive one, “I enjoy running and hiking. Sometimes I see strange things in the forest. And sometimes strange things happen. Then I think about them. Some might not think these things are strange at all, but I do.”
“Oh,” said the date.
“What do you like to do for fun?” said the inquisitive one.
For some reason, the date started talking about hot peppers. That was when they discovered they both had an interest in growing, cooking, and eating hot peppers. The bartender brought wine, and they talked about the intricacies of hot peppers until the wine was all drunk.
That’s when the date said, “I should tell you something.”
“What?” said the inquisitive one.
“See, my job is very important and top secret. I’m about to be sent to Asia for work. I probably won’t be back for a few years. I can’t tell you anything more, because it’s classified.”
“Oh,” said the inquisitive one.
They said good night and went their separate ways.
And then, two days later, they followed each other on Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Which of these photos, in your opinion, best represents happiness? The daisies or the rainbows?
Hello! My name is Liza Achilles. I live in the Washington, D.C., metro area. By day, I write and edit. By night,—well, I used to write and edit. That didn't work out too well. And so now, by night—and I'm truly grateful for this—I sleep.