relationship , she looked forward to , for the first time in a long time , observing the changes in the seasons . The shortened days didn ’ t bring the usual November depression . Instead , Mavis noticed the geese flying southward and the ladybugs in her fallen leaves . The first snowfall had her looking for downy woodpeckers and chickadees , rather than retreating to her bedroom until May . “ Vita non est vivere sed valere vita est — life is more than merely staying alive ,” she reflected .
Recently , they had sat in Mavis ’ s yard until midnight enjoying the aurora borealis . As Harry was leaving , he said , “ Wouldn ’ t it be nice to do this on a more permanent basis , to watch falling stars at night and wake up to golden sunrises ?”
“ You can crash on my couch any time , Harry .” But Mavis knew he was hinting at a shared future . She had lived in the moment with Harry , “ Carpe diem — seize the day .” At her age , could she dare to dream of new adventures ahead in the company of a kindred spirit ?
Last night , Mavis had told her daughter that Harry might propose and that she might accept . There was a terrible scene .
“ Do you even know this man ? He could be a con artist !”
Mavis countered , “ He ’ s not a scammer . I know him from church and the grocery store .” “ Right ! You want to marry a bag boy !” “ He works part time to get out of the house .
Besides , he ’ s a bag man !” But , her daughter didn ’ t smile . Tearfully , she told her mother she was under a great deal of stress , with her recent divorce and health issues . It was obvious she missed her dad . Her mother ’ s relationship with Harry was causing even more anguish as her daughter was constantly worried that Harry was a charlatan . Mavis relented . Her children and grandchildren were the loves of her life . She had a niggling feeling , though , that her love could expand to encompass more people , including herself . However , she did not want to cause her daughter further pain .
Ergo , she sat this Saturday morning , in their usual coffee shop , to break if off with Harry .
The door opened and Harry stood with the sun gleaming behind him . “ This is gonna hurt ,” Mavis thought . In his hand , was an elongated wooden box , elaborately detailed . “ Thank goodness , not a ring box ,” Mavis breathed relief .
Harry paused and looked as though he was about to kneel , then thinking better of it , sat opposite Mavis pushing the box toward her .
Mavis opened the box and saw a simple gold ring . She read aloud the words Harry had carved on the inside lid , “ Omnia vincit amor : et nos cedamus amori . Love conquers all ; let us all yield to love .”
“ Yes ,” Mavis replied , smiling , “ Carpe futurum — seize the future !”
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