Member-only story
A Valentine From A Writer
His pockets were empty, but his heart was full.
Parker was stuck. With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching his prospects looked dim. The girl he was smitten with barely knew he existed. He wanted to make a big impression on her, but he was broke.
After paying his rent, and refilling the gas tank in his car, most of his money was spent. His trip to the grocery store for bread, milk, a jar of peanut butter, and a small bag of apples left him with only the change from his last dollar.
Quitting his corporate job last year to become a full-time writer drained his bank accounts. Even though he freelanced as a copywriter, his next deposit wouldn’t clear the bank until the 15th of the month. Too late for Valentine’s Day. Even a fancy card at the Hallmark store cost more than he could afford.
His mother once told him, “Find a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life.” She didn’t tell him being poor doomed your love life.
He wanted to ask Kari, the woman of his desire on a date. He was worried. She was so beautiful she would likely receive multiple invitations to romantic dinners and several dozen bouquets of red roses from the other men who always hung around her at the community center.
Parker needed a way to express to her how he felt and do it in dramatic fashion.
His only resources were his pens, some paper, and a brain filled with glorious words. Would words be enough to entice the woman of his dreams?
Parker reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a pad of paper. “This will never do,” he mumbled. “How can I write a heartfelt message on a yellow legal pad?”
He dug further into the desk. There they were. His last sheet of fine linen stationery and its matching envelope. A moment of trepidation shot through his brain. This will work, but Parker, you need to be careful, this is your last sheet. If you make a mistake you’re done for.
Parker crafted a rough draft on the legal pad to make sure the words were just right. When he had written all the warmest thoughts he could conjure up, he began.
Dearest Kari,
Mere words alone cannot express my…
