The young couple raced down the concourse. Cathy had to make this flight out to Minneapolis. Fall classes started tomorrow. Chests heaving, they arrived at the gate. "Are you still boarding? " Cathy gasped.

"It's OK, honey. Flight's delayed," the agent answered. "You have a minute to catch your breath before the doors close."

Cathy collapsed into Chuck's arms in relief. He tasted her tears as they kissed. How could she leave after such a romantic summer? Suddenly the agent was tapping his shoulder, "Sorry kids. Got to get this plane to Minneapolis." Chuck sadly let her go and shuffled to the window to wave goodbye.

On board, Cathy heard an announcement, "Will the young lady who just boarded the aircraft please come up to the cockpit?" What had she done? Everyone stared as she made her way to the front. "Come on in," the pilot said cheerfully. Cautiously, she stepped inside the dimly lit cockpit.

"Sit down, young lady." The pilot smiled. "What's your name?"

"Cathy, sir." She lowered herself into the seat.

"And who is that sad young man with his nose pressed up against the window?" He pointed through the windshield at Chuck!

"That's Chuck, my boyfriend."

"Looks like he's lost his last friend."

"We've been together all summer. Last night we got engaged! But I have to fly back to college. I won't see him until Thanksgiving."

"Engaged! Congratulations! What do you say we cheer Chuck up before we go?"

"What do you mean?"

"I don't suppose Chuck knows Morse code by any chance?"

"As a matter of fact he does. He was an Eagle Scout, but.…"

"I just had an idea. Hand me that flashlight over there. Now, watch his face."

As the pilot flashed the cockpit lights on and off, Chuck's head popped up. Then, from the darkened cockpit, the pilot slowly signaled a message in Morse code. Cathy watched Chuck's face studying them from the window. Suddenly, his eyes widened as he pressed his face to the glass!

"Wow, Captain! Whatever you said, I think he understood!"

"I said, I LOVE YOU-CATHY," chuckled the pilot. "Maybe we'd better let him see your face." He turned on the lights, nudging Cathy forward. "He should be able to see you now."

Cathy waved as her fiancé of one whole day grinned and waved back.

"I just couldn't resist having some fun," said the pilot," but we have to get going. I'll signal GOODBYE for you."

"Thank you!" Cathy impulsively hugged him and danced back to her seat.

As thirty-three rows of eyes stared at her, the captain announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, we have permission to take off. Thank you for your patience. By the way, the young lady that was called up here is not in trouble. As a matter of fact, she just got engaged this weekend. How about a round of applause!" Blushing, Cathy buckled her seat belt. The sorority was never going to believe this!

---

An old truck roared into the farmyard driveway pulling a 1952 fire-engine red
Convertible. Dust billowed and flew adding another layer to the topless vehicle. The unusual sound brought me to the kitchen window in time to see my son John and his friend Paul stepping gingerly from the truck. Both boys looked almost feverish with excitement. With one swift movement I finished setting the table for supper and dashed outside to get their story.

“I bought this for only a hundred bucks!” smiled John still gazing at the car with pride.

She's a Beaut!”

“But you're only fifteen.”

“That's OK. I'll keep 'er in the garage until I get my license. We'll clean her up with the hose down by the milk house.” And I was left standing there.

Minutes later, when my husband arrived and greeted me back in the house, I told him about the convertible.

“What's he doing wasting his money on that old junk?” He fumed with anger as he stood at the window. “Without even asking!” His face was livid as his anger grew. Walking over to the table, he took John's plate and silverware and put it back into the cupboard. Then slammed the cupboard door shut.

I stood there astounded. I thought, Why that's like disowning our own son! Mustering up all the courage within my being-from what seemed like the tip of my toes to the top of my head-I looked straight at the man and said, “No.” We're not doing that.” Calmly, I replaced the dishes.

I turned back toward him and said, in a firm but even voice, “The boy is fifteen, Gene, so is the car. It'll be alright. You'll see.”