Entry #3

"Rekindled"
by Jeff Neale


Shawn and Melanie agreed to make one last attempt to salvage their fifteen-year marriage by renting a room at a quaint twentieth century Bed & Breakfast for the weekend. The idea was to spend the entire time together without outside interruption and see if the dying flame could be rekindled. The agreement included no cell phones, television, or laptops.

Their room, Victorian Dream, was located on the second floor.

They climbed the stairs and followed the beautiful hardwood floor to their room. Beside their door stood an antique oak table supporting a matching pair of small Victorian candle lamps.

Once inside, Melanie sat down and ran her hand along the coverlet of the king size four-poster bed, while Shawn stepped out onto the balcony.

Later she stood beside him watching the setting sun bathe the hills beyond in a splendid array of colors.

"Is this going to work?" Melanie said, breaking the silence.

"You mean us?" Shawn said.

"Yes"

"Maybe" he said. "If we're both willing to try I think it can."

Leaving their room for dinner, they noticed one of the two candles on the hallway table had gone out.

Melanie held the globe as Shawn relit the candle. Now two lights joined as one again.

"Do you think relighting that candle was a sign?" Melanie said, cautiously watching for his reaction.

"I was just wondering the same thing," Shawn said.

Then Melanie did something she had not done for a long time . . . she smiled.