Winter Season

Lent

Oscar stood in the teacher’s lounge staring out the window. Instead of eating lunch, he gave serious consideration to taking a nap. He calculated in his head how long it would take to walk out to his SUV, and the time it would take to get back. What a day. His phone chimed. It was Esther.

“Hi,” he answered.

“Hey honey, what’s wrong?”

“Just tired.”

“I honestly thought I would get your voice mail. Today is Fat Tuesday and I was wondering if there was anything special you wanted for dinner?”

He was confused, “why?”

“Well, Fat Tuesday is the day before Lent starts. I have always pigged out on Fat Tuesday.”

“Really, why?”

“I always do something for Lent.”

“I thought that was a Catholic tradition.”

“It is. But what could be wrong with me practicing something that isn’t going to hurt anyone and has the potential of improving my relationship with God?”

“Point taken.”

“There must be people around.” He could hear her smile.

“Yes.”

She giggled, “Oh, I could do all kinds of mean things to you.”

“You are familiar with that old saying about payback?”

As she laughed, he couldn’t contain his smile. “What about a pot roast if I don’t use any savory seasoning?

“That’s what makes them good.” There was a pause.

“What are you eating for lunch?”

“Nothing.”

“I think that deserves a spankin’.” He got all choked up over that one. “I can just picture it now, all the people that are around you are lookin’ at you wondering what this conversation is all about.”

“I’m not even going to find out.”

“Do you love them that much?”

“Indeed.”

“Oh, you’re so cryptic.”

A bell rang in the background, “I’ve gotta go.”

“What about dinner?”

“Your idea sounds terrific.”

“Which one she giggled?”

“Both.”

“Oscar?”

“Hmm.”

“I hope you have a better afternoon than you did morning.”

“I love you.”

She giggled, “that raised a few eyebrows. I love you.”

She was right about that, he could feel people staring at him as he walked from the room.

Winter Season