Burden to Bear Read Online Free Page A

a lot of sentimental value for me.  I couldn’t resell it.  Though the cost of insurance in the city is through the roof.”
    He opened Sarah’s door and gallantly held it for her while she tucked herself and her long dress safely inside.  Then he bounded over to the driver’s side and got inside.
    He parked the car carefully in the parking lot behind the diner.  “It will be a bit safer here than out on the street,” he explained.  “At least I hope.” He tapped the remote on his key ring to set the alarm.
    There were no more than a dozen patrons in the diner when they entered, but every single person looked up to stare at the handsome couple when they entered. They quickly chose a booth near the front of the diner and ordered coffee. 
    They talked long into the night, drinking coffee and munching on fries and onion rings.  Eventually, at 5 o’clock, when the sky began to lighten, they both decided it was time to go home.
    Wilson drove Sarah to her door.  Although she lingered a bit to encourage a goodnight kiss, he seemed oblivious to the bait.  He made sure she was safely inside, then drove away.
    Sarah closed the door behind her, slightly disappointed, but still elated about the evening.  She climbed into bed, still clad in her long gown, and soon drifted off to sleep.
    ***
     
     
    “Hi Douglas,” Sarah chirped. 
    Douglas looked up.  He was slouched over his grocery cart at the local supermarket near the university.  Sarah was skipping towards him from the other end of the aisle.
    “Hey, Sarah,” Douglas waved.  He waited for her to reach him.
    “What are you up to?” he asked.
    “Had to get the cats some food,” she answered, shaking the bag of kibble in her hand.  “I’ve been feeding them tuna and canned soup for the last couple days.  Too busy to get to the store.”
    “Hopefully, they don’t eat your arm off before you can get it out of the bag,” Douglas joked.  “Those are some feisty cats.”
    Douglas noticed the sickening smell wafting from Sarah’s coat again.  He had not noticed it since last Sunday.  She must have seen Wilson again.
    Sarah peered into his cart.  “Chocolate chip mint ice cream!  Chips and dip!  Tacodillos!” she exclaimed.  “You’re buying all my favorite food, Doug.  I need to visit.”
    Aloud, Douglas said, “I like this stuff, too.”  Inwardly, he was thinking, “Yup, Sarah, it’s all your favorite breakup food. I know what makes you happy.”
    Sarah’s mind was not focused on the food.  “Wilson and I went out again last night. He was soooo sweet.  He gave me this.”  She extended her wrist to show him a silver charm bracelet.
    “Looks expensive,” Douglas grunted.  “Especially for the second date.”
    Sarah shrugged.  “We get along so well, it’s like we’ve known each other forever.  I really can’t believe we’ve only gone out twice.”  She twisted the bracelet self-consciously. “I really had to accept.  It would be rude otherwise.”
    Douglas said nothing, then he suddenly remembered.  “I thought you sang at the Club last night.”
    “I did,” Sarah said.  “Wilson came to watch.”
    “Sorry I had to miss,” said Douglas.  “I had that family dinner for my dad’s birthday, remember?”
    “Yeah, I knew you had to take the night off,” Sarah said.
    They walked together to the checkout.  Sarah was deep in thought.  Douglas’ disapproval had reminded her of a few uncomfortable moments she had experienced the night before.  At times during their date, she had discovered Wilson staring at her in the most disconcerting manner.  It reminded her of the way Chum-Chum and Noodle tried to hypnotize a toy mouse just before pouncing and shredding it to bits.  When she had addressed Wilson at the time, it was almost as if he were stuck, like he could not stop himself from staring at her in that way.  It had been a little frightening, she had to admit.
    She shook away the negative thoughts and paid