Beginnings & Endings

Julianna smiled at Hayden across the restaurant table. "First dates can be a bit daunting," she confessed. "But I have such a fondness for beginnings. They hold a world of promise."

"The problem with beginnings," Hayden said, "is that they inevitably lead to endings."

Julianna considered his statement for several moments, then shook her head. "I disagree. Surely there are exceptions. What about never-ending love?"

There's no such thing. It's got to end sometime. People die."

But what if, before they die, they pass their love on to their children? Then the children grow up, have children of their own, and transfer the love to them. It can go on and on. Forever. No ending.” Julianna leaned back in her chair, pleased with her rebuttal.

"What if they never have children? Their love ends when they die."

Julianna studied his face. When they'd met five minutes earlier she'd thought him almost as handsome as that famous ballplayer. Now she wasn't so sure. "Are you always this negative?"

"I'm not negative; I'm realistic."

"Don't you mean pessimistic?"

Hayden shrugged. "Think whatever you want."

"I'll tell you what I think: I find it sad that you're so consumed with anticipating an ending that you can't allow yourself to enjoy a beautiful beginning."

"Why bother wasting time on things destined to end?"

Julianna stood up. "Congratulations. You've convinced me."

Hayden raised an eyebrow. "I have? Really?"

"Yes. You've made it absolutely clear that I must end this date right now."