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Show iS PERFECT DAY CORNER By Sallydale Wimbrow EARLY FALL brisked the air. The lawn surrounding the little church was caked with brown fallen leaves and in the sky, a bright sun darted behind a cloud. "Such a perfect day" Nell thought, "Everything is on its good behavior for Steve and Mary." She folded her hands in her lap and relaxed in her seat. The or-. or-. 1 ganist softly be- 3 M San' playing the lYlinilie pre-wedding mel-FictiOII mel-FictiOII ody. An unexpect- I ed tear started down Nell's cheek. "That's right," she told herself. "Go ahead and cry. Make a fool of yourself and bawl like a baby. Forget For-get about your plan to seem calm." "The church looks lovely. Isn't it beautiful?" someone whispered. "Everything is so perfect." t "Yes" Nell thought, "Lovely, the white flowers, the fern, everything perfect. I musn't be sad. I should be happy for Steve, for this is what he wants. It seems so sudden though . . . his getting married. Just yesterday yes-terday he was only a boy Interested Inter-ested lii boats, automobile engines, en-gines, camping oat In the woods for weekends. Is he ready for a wife, a family? Oh, my Steve, I love you. But I would not hold you back. Not If this is your happiness. You have chosen Mary and she is lovely. I would not fight to keep you for myself, my-self, though I can't imagine what my life will be now, without with-out you." The opening strains of the wedding wed-ding march sounded. People stood. There was the rustle of new dresses, the sound of feet shuffling on the Mary was indeed a vision. floor. Nell felt stiff. She pulled herself her-self up, put one hand on the back of the pew before her. There was Steve, standing by 'the altar, his face slightly flushed, looking toward the back of the church. His eyes were bright waiting for Mary. Nell remembered seeing that brightness in his eyes so many times before. She remembered how she had watched him often when he was only a small boy, playing with skates and toy pistols. As he grew, so did her love for him. "Only yesterday" Nell thought "You were mine. Now you will never be mine again. Mary will hear your questions, solve your problems, be there when you need help. She is your life now. I have given you all I have to give. I only hope you will remember me, Steve, remember me with a smile. I will always love you and cherish the happiness you gave to me." MARY was coming down the aisle. She seemed surrounded by a faint glow. Nell trembled slightly at the sighs of the admiring congrega-. tion. Mary was indeed a vision. By the altar, Steve was leaning forward, for-ward, tense. There was that eager expression on his face that Nell remembered re-membered so well. "The picnic" she thought. "You took me by the river for a picnic and we carried your old portable phonograph. You played your favorite records laughed at me trying to learn about jive. That eager alive look you have now. We were so happy Steve. You kissed my cheek and told me I was your girl There would never be another an-other girl for you. That's what you said, Steve remember?" Now the couple stood together, facing the altar. Nell heard the words that tied Steve and Mary together to-gether for a lifetime, unable to control con-trol a soft sob. "Mary, Mary make him happy. It's up to you now." Then it was over. The organ sounded again and Nell watched the couple turn, start for the door, laughing. Steve clasped Mary's hand and they brushed by Nell. "He doesn't even see me" Nell thought "He didn't even look." Outside a photographer was taking tak-ing pictures. Nell lifted her chin, tried a bright smile. She walked up to Steve who was standing alone while Mary posed for her picture. "Darling" she whispered "It was perfect. I am so happy." He leaned and kissed her "Thank you, Sweetheart" he said. Then his arm stole about her waist and he hugged her. "I'm rather happy myself" he said and then he looked deep in her eyes. "I guess it's the most perfect day in my life, Mom." |