Song of the Sea

Meredith shivers in her heavy, velour robe as she hurries to get the coffee going. She works quickly in the old kitchen, not noticing the worn spots in the floor. Cradling her mug, she sags down at the table, avoiding the broken chair.

Suddenly a blast of cold air fills the kitchen as her husband hurries in. He quickly shuts the door, but then just stands there, frosted over with the harsh Idaho winter. For once, Meredith really looks at him, and what she sees tugs at her heart. He looks plain worn out. The idea she's been playing with for weeks takes shape in her mind. As soon as he leaves for work, she puts her plan in to action.

One day, when Sam gets home, Meredith meets him at the door with suitcases packed and plane tickets in hand. "Happy Anniversary!" she says.

Sam, kissing her, says, "Is that today?" Laughing, she drives him to the airport.

As soon as they step out of the cab at their resort on Sanibel Island, Florida, a smile fills Sam's face, and he visibly relaxes. "Song of the Sea," he reads, "the name itself relaxes me." Flowers fill every corner, tucked in beside the wandering path to the beach. The sun is just beginning to set and it lights up the water as a soft, warm breeze caresses his skin. In the soft twilight, they go back to their room and don swimsuits, then head to the pool. The stars begin to appear. Sam and Meredith float on their backs, counting shooting stars.

After dressing in light clothing, they head to Ellington's Jazz Bar and Restaurant. Enjoying the sea bass and live jazz, Sam looks more relaxed than he has in years. "I finally feel thawed out," he sighs to his wife. "Shall we dance?"