Madeline shivered. “it’s a little cold out here” she said “do you think we could go inside?” Todd’s heart stopped for a moment. He knew what the trailer looked like on the inside, and it certainly wasn’t fit for a lady. “Are you sure? I think it’s kind of nice out…” Madeline was walking to his front door. He ran up the stairs behind her. “I, well.. I…don’t have much…” he stuttered as she walked in. Madeline gasped. Todd put his head in his hands. It’s over, he thought. “Oh my gosh what a cute dog!” She ran over to Jake and patted his head. Jake looked up at her with a sort-of confused look on his face. “Oh no. He doesn’t like me?” Madeline asked. Todd looked up with relief and surprise. “It’s not that. He’s just not used to having visitors, especially ones that aren’t afraid to touch him.”



Madeline made herself comfortable on his couch. Todd was shocked that she was still here. “Are you hungry?” He asked. “Oh man, I’m starving!” She said. Todd pulled out some meat and began making his special recipe burgers. Madeline watched him mixing the ingredients. “What? You mean you can cook more than a TV dinner?” She laughed. Todd blushed. “Yes, ma’am. My mom taught me everything she knew about cooking before she died.” Madeline’s face turned sad. “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that, Todd. I bet you miss her so much.” Todd thought for a second about his mother. She would be so proud to see him cooking for a nice woman like Madeline. “Yes, I do. She always told me that when someone you love someone, they‘re always with you somehow. She told me to just imagine their hand on my shoulder and I‘ll feel their love in my heart.” He took a deep breath. “I think about it now, when I’m going through a tough time that’s what I do. I imagine her hand on my shoulder.” Madeline smiled at him, comforted by his thoughts. “Wow, that is so sweet. She must have been a wonderful woman.” Todd went back to making his burgers. “She was.”



Todd pulled out the guest chair that had never been used and pulled it up to the table. Madeline sat down as he pushed it to the table for her. “Thank you, Todd.” she smiled. Todd bit into his burger. “So what do you do for a living, Madeline?” Madeline fidgeted with her apron. “Well, I’ve been cleaning houses for some folks around here until I can find a steady job.” Todd could tell she felt embarrassed. “Hey, there’s nothing wrong with that!” he smiled and looked around his trailer. “I’d hire you myself if I could afford you!” They laughed. Madeline looked at his kitchen. “It’s not that bad, Todd. Just needs a woman’s touch.” She smiled at him and took a bite of her burger. Todd felt like he would melt into the floor. He tried to hold himself back from asking her to marry him right then and there. This is way too good to be true, he thought.



After they ate, Todd suggested they watch some TV. He cut it on and flipped through the channels. Madeline said “Wait, leave it here. I love this show!” Todd smiled. “Really? So do I! I usually don’t like reality shows, but this one seems so interesting. Except for the Jill girl. She seems so…” Madeline chimed in and they said at the same time “….fake and spoiled!” They looked at each other and laughed. They stopped and gazed into each other’s eyes for a moment. Todd leaned in to her and Madeline started toward him. Suddenly she stopped. “I.. I.. have to go.” She jumped up from the couch and walked to the door. “It was great to meet you, Todd. I really hope we can hang out again.” She said very casually. “Thanks so much for the burgers. Your mom really taught you well.” Before Todd could even say goodbye she hurried out the door and down the sidewalk. Todd sat for a moment in shock. Did I do something wrong? He thought. I moved to fast, I bet. Why would such a nice girl like her be interested in me, anyway? Oh well. It was fun while it lasted. “Come on, Jake. Let’s call it a night.” He cut the lights off and went to bed.