by Dane Bagley
“Sounds like Sarah’s home,” said her mother to her father—both were waiting in the living room illuminated by a roaring fire. Sarah’s father sat reading to the lamp light on his end table. Her mother sat with a cross stitch, but was really just anticipating Sarah’s arrival. Mr. Peningham was anxious to get to bed. Mrs. Peningham was anxious to find out all about Sarah’s night.
The door opened and shut, and Sarah was in the room a moment later, absolutely beaming.
“Hi, Sarah, how was the dance?” asked her mother.
“Wonderful!”
Her mother began to beam as well. Her father had not yet put down his book.
“Did you get asked to dance by many boys?”
“No, just one.”
“Oh.” Mrs. Peningham was a little disappointed.
“Who asked you?”
“John Bennett.”
“Oh.” Mrs. Peningham was no longer disappointed. The smile and beam returned to her face. “That must have been nice. Was he kind?”
“Oh, yes. He was wonderful!”
Mr. Peningham was no longer looking at his book. Mrs. Peningham gave him a look of excitement. Mr. Peningham just looked confused.
“But you only got to dance one dance all night?”
“Oh, no—I danced the night away.”
“You did? But…you danced the whole night with John Bennett?”
“Yes, it was amazing!”
“Who’s John Bennett?” Mr. Peningham was becoming very interested, and a bit perplexed.
“Oh, Daddy, he’s just a guy.” The look on Sarah’s face told him that this was far from the truth.
“I’m glad that you had a nice time. Get to bed, it’s late. Goodnight.” Sarah kissed her father’s cheek, and then hugged her mother before she glided towards her room.
“Honey, he’s not just a guy, he’s the guy. All of the girls want to dance with John Bennett.”
“Have you seen him?”
“Oh, yes, and he’s very handsome.” Mrs. Peningham was really beaming then.
“And this John Bennett, who’s the guy, danced the night away with our little Sarah?” The look on his face was beyond perplexed.
“Apparently,” she replied. She was no longer looking at her husband, but was staring wistfully in the distance.
