One.
The weeks just flew by and before she knew it, the much talked about Holiday Season was wrapping it's glittery arms around her. From yards, parks, and street corners the bright colored Christmas lights in shapes of trees, flakes, canes, and penguins flashed cheerfully as if trying to compensate for the lack of snow. It was beginning to look a lot like Christmas, at least inside. Nature seemed oblivious, but people were well aware that in just a few days much of what just went on the last Thursday of November would take place again as family would fly in from out of state, turkeys would be bought, stuffed and baked, cars, houses, husbands, and kids be deep cleaned and polished and another holiday would come and go. But somehow this one would be different. And it wasn't just the excessive lights, green lawns, and seventy degree weather. Something else had entered into her routine which, regardless of location, added a new flavor - a more tropical one.
Two.
It was a rainy Thursday morning somewhere in the beginning of fall semester. A steady stream of students flowed into the classroom and settled down for fifty minutes of survival class - how to make it to a good old age in a world full of sickness and low quality of life. She was a bit on the late side, as often was the case. The umbrella was still dripping and her dark blue rubber boots made squeaky noises on the polished floor. She went straight for a vacant seat, trying not to make too much eye contact with her peers. It was one of those classes that didn't evoke too much emotion. She was less than engaged but did what was required to get a good grade. As soon as class was dismissed she picked up her bag and umbrella, buttoned her jacket and flung a shawl around her neck. Without saying a word she slipped out of her seat and picked up speed as she headed down the hallway, already thinking about her next destination and leaving no thoughts for the one she just left. But without noticing, she had left something behind. In the mind of a young man was left an impression: "Now there's a nice, Christian, young lady..." And the impression remained just a thought.
