The Dream

“Will you marry me?” He blinked at me and shook his head a bit, like he was really doing a double take.

“Excuse me, but what did you just say?”

            “I said, “Will you marry me?”

“This is our first date. We literally just met an hour ago. How could I even think about getting married?”

I realized this was true, of course; even so, I still wanted him to say “yes.” There was nothing more important than somehow, any how, getting him to say “yes.”

“I don’t know, don’t you think you can do better? I mean; I can’t be the best one for you.”

“No! I know you are the best one. In fact, there is no way there is anyone better. You are so kind, and funny, and you know just what to say when I’m sad to make me feel better.”

“How could you possibly know that in one hour?”

“I don’t know, but somehow, I feel as if I’ve known you my whole life.”

I looked around the room at all the couples and other people out with friends or at business meetings. The clinking of glasses, and the soft hum of conversation was everywhere. All of them looked so happy, so sure of where they were right at that moment.  Their place in the world was fixed. When I looked back to him – to gauge his reaction and continue the conversation. I realized that he was gone, and in his place was a mirror. The reflection was me. I smiled and laughed; understanding.

“Oh, you’ll do just fine.”