Chapter 1: A Lighthearted Discussion

James glanced at Linda, “That’s not just absurd; it’s downright ridiculous.”

“Oh, is it?” she replied.

He nodded decisively, a challenge she knew only the strongest arguments could confront. He would defend his views unwaveringly, perhaps even beyond reason.

She mused, ‘This is such a delight…’

They were enjoying their Friday night dinner at their go-to restaurant. ‘Perhaps I should have skipped that extra margarita…’

In moments of disagreement, affectionate gestures like hugs or kisses didn’t sway James. Linda understood; they were partners, yet James valued his opinions above all else. His nod represented a fortress of unwavering belief. She relished the opportunity to engage him in debate and particularly loved coming out on top.

Linda chuckled, her humor surprising James. This was a fresh approach.

“What’s amusing?” he asked.

“You, Jimmy. Taking everything so seriously. Can’t you see I’m teasing?”

“It’s a joke?”

“Absolutely, silly. Do you think I genuinely believe my nose burns because it’s closer to the sun?”

James paused, sensing a trap. “I find it hard to believe half of what you say.”

“I’m just teasing, kiddo.”

“Oh, well, forget it. What were we discussing before your strange rant?”

“I can’t recall.”

As the waiter passed by, he suggested dessert, which they both declined. However, James opted for coffee.

“Make that two, please,” Linda added. The waiter nodded and departed. “There’s no hurry to leave. I’m enjoying myself too much.”

James smiled.

She continued, “But I wish you’d explain why I’m wrong. You know, why is that so ridiculous?”

He regarded her with feigned suspicion. “You called it a joke. Why pursue it?”

She smirked and playfully nudged his foot under the table. “Because…”

“You don’t think it’s clear?”

“I know my thoughts. I want to hear yours. Can’t you play along?”

James rolled his eyes. “Alright, let’s play. Your nose doesn’t burn because it’s closer to the sun…”

“Please explain…”

“…because your adorable nose isn’t significantly nearer to the sun than the rest of your lovely face. Must I remind you that we’re discussing millions of miles versus an inch or two?”

Linda dramatically slumped back in the booth, pretending his explanation unveiled the universe's secrets. He could only smirk at her exaggerated response to his straightforward answer.

The waiter returned with their coffees, making a show of the service.

James thanked him, raising his cup in a toast to Linda, who reciprocated and blew on her coffee to cool it.

Leaning forward, she looked intently at him. “James, I’m genuinely impressed by your remarkable response.” He brushed off her flattery. She persisted, “In fact, I’m so impressed that I might say ‘you could be right.’”

James did a double-take. “Excuse me?”

“You could be right, James. Didn’t you hear that?”

“I heard you, Linda, very clearly. I can’t believe you said, ‘I might…’”

“So, you’re questioning whether you could be right? You mean there’s a chance you could be wrong?” She feigned astonishment.

“No. Wait. It’s not that I could be… I am. I assure you, without question, I am right.”

“So there’s no wiggle room with ‘might’?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Yet, how many times have you told me there are no absolutes?”

“You’re shifting the topic.”

“Are you absolutely sure about that?”

“By saying I ‘might’ be right, you imply there’s a chance I could be wrong. And, Linda, you know I’m not wrong.”

He could sense she wasn’t convinced.

“Linda, you are the love of my life. I know it frustrates you to admit when I’m right. I’m not trying to annoy you. But I am, once again, right. It’s an undeniable fact.”

Linda appeared almost ready to concede. Not wanting to dampen the mood, she seemed to wrestle with the notion. “You assert you’re right with no possibility of even the slightest mistake?”

“Yes. I am right. Anyone would tell you.” He leaned closer to whisper, “You know I have to live up to your nickname for me, ‘He who knows everything.’”

“Hmmm. Interesting.”

“What?”

“You’re so adamant. I’m curious about what would happen if I deflated that massive, pompous balloon known as your ego.”

James had been so prepared to gloat. What had she done? What had he overlooked? Her teasing struck a nerve. “Who has the ego? You can never admit you’re wrong when…”

She laughed. “I don’t care about being wrong.” Adopting a pretentious tone, she declared, “I seek the truth…”

“Uh huh… And I follow the science. Ever heard of it?”

“Oh, right, science. I always thought that came with questions.”

“Your point?”

“Testing my assumptions. Aren’t they still examining Einstein’s theories? A century later?”

“So?”

“You believe the science is settled.”

“Regarding the sun’s distance from… your nose? Pretty much settled.”

“So firmly fixed that you don’t feel compelled to address my original question?”

“I stated that an inch or two closer makes no difference in why your nose would get sunburned.”

“Yet you acknowledge my nose is closer to the sun, and it also gets burned.”

“Of course. But…”

“So the question hinges on what I mean by the word ‘closer.’”

“You’re still pursuing this? Linda, this game is becoming tedious. What is your point…?”

“I conceded you might be right. And you disagreed with me. So…”

Exasperated, James raised his arms and let them drop. “The sun’s light strikes your nose at a different angle, more directly than your face…”

Linda continued, “…if I see something directly instead of from a reflection, could I say I’m closer? If there’s less ‘stuff’ between my nose and the source of radiation? Could you say ‘closer isn’t mere distance, but… attitude?’”

“I wouldn’t…”

“Or, when a beam of light passes through a magnifying glass, would the ant getting fried by that intense beam think it was effectively ‘closer’ than its buddy under the shade of a nearby leaf?”

“But…”

“Don’t deflect, Jimmy. People say looking through binoculars brings the object closer…”

“That’s just a figure of speech, Linda. There’s no real magnification. That isn’t what you said.”

“What I said, and what you assumed I meant…”

James realized that, sooner or later, Linda would wear him down. He sighed. “I see your point. How do I phrase this…?” He sighed again, “You might be right?”

Linda threw her hands up in celebration. “Hooray!”

He shook his head at how she had played him. “Are you happy now?”

“Thrilled. I have such a wonderful time with you, Jimmy.”

They laughed together. He sighed and signaled for the check.

Chapter 2: Musical Interlude

This audio piece by Grace VanderWaal captures the essence of longing and reflection, making it the perfect backdrop for James and Linda's playful banter.

The song "Burned" delves into themes of love and the complexities of relationships, echoing the light-hearted yet profound conversation shared between the two.

Thank you for reading. I welcome your feedback.

Bio: After spending his childhood in the icy expanses of Minnesota, John K. Adams has immersed himself in the vibrant worlds of Hollywood. With a lineage rich in piracy, he collaborates with his loving wife to explore the intricate dance between language and memory against the backdrop of reality.

Three of John’s short stories were featured in the ‘2021 Indie Authors’ Short Story Anthology.’