The Question

            “You all right, Jake?” asked Sarah as the two sat down for dinner. Jake nodded, flashing Sarah a reassuring smile in attempts to keep her unawares. Jake was not “all right,” though. While he flipped through the menu, his right hand was busy trembling in his pocket. Every few minutes he would dig deeper within the pocket to make sure the little velvet box was still there – it always was. 

            After their food arrived, Sarah and Jake entered two entirely different worlds. Sarah was ignorant of this separation, and she went on talking as if it was one of their typical Wednesday date nights. She spoke of subjects here and there; from the office, to potential ice cream eateries they could visit for dessert.  Jake engaged when necessary, but in the meantime was at war with himself. As he looked into her blue eyes, he was met with self-doubt. Was this too early? Would this scare her off? Surely not, he silently prayed, not entirely sure whether he believed.

            The round of champagne that he ordered while reserving their table arrived, ripping him away from his internal struggle. It was now or never, and Jake chose now. He took Sarah’s hands in his own, and began to speak.

            “Sarah,” he began with a soft voice, “this past year has been one of the best of my life, and I owe it to you.” Sarah smiled back at him, but shifted uncomfortably. Jake continued on. “I love you so much, and I think it’s time for us to take the next step.” With a trembling hand, he produced the box from his pocket and held it out. Sarah’s face resembled a mix between surprise and terror, which did not quell Jake’s nerves. With no way back now, he opened the box to reveal a flash of silver. Sarah squealed, and her face brightened instantly. “How about Max?” asked a relieved Jake, as she pulled the collar from the box. Sarah, a tad speechless, gave a quick nod and beamed at Jake.