In The Shadows...

Thelma Lou looked at her watch for the third time in five minutes, not really seeing the time. A sixth sense told her the phone was going to ring a moment before it did.

"Thel? Barn." She closed her eyes and listened to the conversation she knew so well.
"Police business up in Mt. Pilot." Another broken date.

She placed the receiver gently on its cradle and sighed softly. Anxious thoughts crossed her mind, but she dismissed them quickly. Thelma Lou was a trusting, loyal soul and it would take a blatant desertion before she would give up her dream.

She smoothed her skirt as she stood and walked to the window. It was just dusk in Mayberry. Porch lights were blinking on, as folks finished supper and began to relax, with their families. The familiar sounds of a summer's evening filled the air. Crickets tuned up for a concert as the fireflies provided lighting. A dog barked to welcome his master home, as the faint laughter of children drifted by. Thelma Lou started a bit as she noticed a figure near the curb by her house. She moved back from the window and watched. It was a man. He was standing near her prize hydrangea bush. She couldn't make out who it was, but he seemed familiar. She slipped out the front door and walked slowly down the walk.

"It's Quiet Sam!" she exclaimed in surprise.
"Yes, ma'am." Sam removed his hat and smiled shyly down at her. "I was admiring your beautiful garden, Thelma Lou. I hope I didn't disturb you."
"No, not at all."

Thelma Lou couldn't help smiling back at him. They walked slowly around her garden, Sam seemed amused, but truly interested as Thelma Lou talked about her beloved posies and climbing roses. Before long, the stars began to twinkle above them and their attention turned upwards. Thelma Lou was impressed by Sam's knowledge of the heavenly. He answered her questions with patience and humor. 'He'd be a good teacher,' she thought. They lost track of time, and it wasn't until a passing car brought their attention back to earth that they realized how late it was. They both blushed and quickly said their goodnights. A warm handshake at the door ended their conversation after Sam walked her to the porch. She watched him disappear into the darkness before turning off the lights and heading to bed with thoughts of what might have been....