swing for life

Elizabeth came in from walking the dog, put the mail down on the counter and then bent to let Scooter off his leash. He bounced and yapped happily around her feet because he knew, like always, that a good boy got a cookie after his walk. Smiling, Elizabeth walked to the pantry, got out the box and Scooter sat obediently as she bent down with the little treat. Taking it gingerly between his teeth, he set off in search of a spot to enjoy it.

As she stood at the sink filling the kettle, Elizabeth gazed out the window at her small garden patch. It was a stunning morning, brilliant sunshine streaming through the trees and casting dancing shadows across her carefully-tended flowers. She'd have to go out and see if any tomatoes were ripened today. As she was about to shut off the water, she noticed someone walk past the gate. It was early for anyone to be passing by - especially such a handsome man. She had never seen him before. He kept on his way and Elizabeth shrugged it off and set the kettle on to boil.

She hadn't been dating lately. She never seemed to have the time. Since she had gotten hired on at the new dance academy, she was often too tired to even think about socializing after work. She wasn't unhappy though - she worked in a stunning new building, teaching adorable children to dance. What more could she need?

Sometime later, after finishing her toast and tea, Elizabeth was washing her few dishes in the sink. Who should pass by again but Mr. Handsome himself. Her curiosity got the better of her this time and, leaving her dishes to drain on the board, she ventured outside - to check on those tomatoes. Yes, that was it. Tomatoes.

As she clicked the door behind her, Elizabeth was jolted by the quiet, deep voice that greeted her. "Good morning!" he said. He was even more stunning up close. Elizabeth wish him a good morning, as well, and he introduced himself as Tom, a new neighbor living two doors down. He complimented her on the beauty of her little garden and gave her such a smile that it made her heart dance in a way that it hadn't for so long. Scooter had been the handsome little man in her life for so long now... and she suddenly realized that it might be high time to consider including another.