Yellow Finch

Beez buzz blop

Darling, did you hear that strange sound?

Yes, it sounded like it came from the front door; I'll see what it was.

Hey babe, did you order something?

No, not that I recall; why?

It's a box with your name on it.

Oo, how exciting! Let's see what it is.

Bob brings the box in. He notices that it's pretty heavy for its size.

Darla drys her hands as she finishes the dishes and walks over to the table.

The box is brown, smooth, and has a red bow. Just below the red bow is Darla's name, handwritten in black marker in beautiful calligraphy.

Oo, says Darla, it's a mystery box. Do you want to guess what's inside?

Bob thinks for a minute, then says it's probably one of those figurines you collect, or maybe you entered a contest and forgot.

Hmm, good guesses, Darla says; as she starts to pull off the bow, she notices the white paper that her name is written on is a card with something written on it. She pulls it off and reads it out loud.

Are you ready?

Am I ready? Exclaims Darla; what in the world is going on.

Open the box, Darla. I'm so excited says Bob.

Darla lays down the card and opens the box, and she finds two plane tickets to Ireland, a traveler's journal, an itinerary, and ten thousand dollars.

O my stars and stripes, Bob, did you do this?

No, says Bob, I'm seeing this for the first time, just like you.

When is the flight?

Darla picks up the plane tickets. She notices her hands shake slightly from all the excitement in 5 hours.

Well, we better start packing says Bob.

Good thinking, says Darla as they head to the bedroom. They pull their suitcases from under their bed and start filling them quickly. The room is silent as they focus on the task, but the energy in the air is filled with love and excitement.

We last pulled out these suite cases about 40 years ago for our honeymoon. Do you remember that?

Bob pauses from packing and looks up lovingly at Darla, reaches over and grabs her hand, looks her in the eyes, and says I could never forget.

We were 22 and married, filled with big dreams and just a few bucks to our name. We were so in love.

I caught our dinner from the river, and you made the fire. We ate smores and made love under the stars.

Bob leans in, kisses Darla, and whispers in her ear, ill love you forever and always. And Darla whispers back, so will I.

We better finish packing if we're going to make this flight, says Darla. Ok, says Bob; as they finish up, they grab their tickets. Darla puts everything in her suitcase beside the cash. They split it, so if one person loses their wallet, only half the money will be gone. As they close up their home and get ready to walk to their car, they notice a large black SUV pulling into their driveway.

Hello, says the driver. Are you Darla? Yes, I am. I am supposed to drive you and your husband to the airport.

Oo, how exciting, says Darla. Oh, hey, do you know who is doing all this?

No, Ma'am, I was just told to be here and pick you up and drive you to the airport. Here let me get your bags as you get inside.

We're Here, Darla, Bob says, so excited he is ready to jump out of the car.

Darla and Bob check in and get in their assigned seats on the plane. They enjoy their free meals, movies, and drinks during the flight and take a long nap holding hands. Once they land, they see a young man holding a sign that reads Bob and Darla. They followed the young man through the airport, got their bags, and headed to the Chauffeur waiting for them.

He drives them to a beautiful castle, where they are led to their room.

Bob, have you ever seen anything so beautiful? Says Darla

Just you, my love, says Bob.

They get ready for bed and have the best night's rest. In the morning, they are woken by a knocking at their door. Bob Jumps out of bed to see what it is. When he is greeted by a young maiden named Gloria, who will take care of anything they need. Gloria sets the breakfast tray On their bed and excuses herself.

Bob and Darla sit out on the patio and enjoy their exquisite breakfast while looking at the breathtaking view of the grounds.

After breakfast, Bob and Darla go for a walk in the flower gardens

Bob says, Darla.

Yes darling

I had no idea something so magical existed in this world.

Me either says Bob; I wonder who is doing all this and why.

Yes, it is a bit strange, but I don't want to peek behind the curtain. I want to live in the magical bubble a little longer.

As you wish, my dear. Saya Bob

They see Gloria by the side of the castle, setting out their lunch for the day.

I'm getting quite hungry; let's head back in.

Ok, says Bob and grabs Darla's hand as they head up to the castle.

After lunch, they head up to their room for a nap when they see a note on their bed with a dress and tux laid out for them. The message reads, please be dressed and out front by 5pm.

Oo how exciting sequels Darla. As she hangs her dress up.

Time to get our beauty rest before our big night out.

They crawl into bed and get some rest.

Bob wakes up first; come on, Darla, he exclaims, it's time to get ready. They get their gown and tux on and head down to the castle's entrance. When a horse-drawn carriage pulls up in front of them. The driver hops down and opens the door for them. Once inside, Bob notices Darla cannot stop smiling. I don't think I've ever seen you so happy says Bob. I don't think I've ever been this happy before says, Darla. She lays her head on bobs shoulder as the horses pull them down the road.

They stop in front of the theater. The building is prominent, built of stone, and looks very old. Bob helps Darla out of the carriage and up the stairs to the grand hall. They are escorted to their seats where they watch a midsummer's night dream.

After the show, as they head to their carriage, Darla says hey, isn't that Doctor Green?

I think so, says Bob

Hey, Dr. Green says Darla as they head toward him.

O, hello, Darla. I was hoping I would get to see you.

You were? says Darla, a little confused.

Why yes, you see I set this all up for you and your husband.

Really says Darla, but why?

Well, Darla, on our last visit, I asked you what would be your dream day, and from that conversation came all of this.

Darla stood there with a look of surprise on her face.

She then finds the words to speak.

This is beautiful and amazing, but why did you do this for me?

Well, says Dr. Green looking sad in the eyes, you are one of the kindest people I have ever met, Darla, and when I found out you only had 72 hours to live, I knew I had to do something to make this as magical as possible.

Wait! what? I only have 72 hours to live! Exclaims Darla.

Yes, I am sorry. I have arranged for your carriage to take you to lovers' lookout, where you and Bob can watch your final sunrise together.

Bob squeezes her hand tightly.

Darla is smiling while tears are streaming down her face.

After a long silence

Darla says thank you. I couldn't imagine dying in a more magical place.

Your welcome says, Dr. Green. I do need to get going and so do you. It was an honor getting to know you. And with that, dr. Green was gone and Bob and Darla were left holding each other in front of the theater.

Well, we better get into the carriage, my love says Bob, his voice shaking.

Alright, my love says Darla as she leans in to kiss him. Although my journey on this earth is ending, I am glad I got to do it with you.

I, too, say Bob as he gently kisses her.

Their carriage arrives at the lovers' lookout, and Bob begins to sob.

It's just not fair, he says.

I know. says Darla, but at least we got to make some beautiful final memories together.

Darla grabs Bob's hand, and they head toward the bench

Darla rests her head on Bob's shoulder as the sun starts to rise

O look Darla says Bob, it's a yellow finch; your favorite

When Darla doesn't say anything, Bob looks over; he knows she is gone. Bob gives her a final kiss and carries her to the carriage. Come on, Darla, he says, let's go home.