R.S.V.P.

Sunday. 5:55am.
After sunrise prayers offered, Mabel is walking, as she does daily.
Mourning doves hear her chuckling. She stops, raises head and speaks heavenward. "I'm so ready. I'm thinking, God, that if the carnival came today, I'd hitch me a ride."

Sunday. 3:33pm.
Mabel pulls into her weekly Staples parking lot. Reaching to turn off radio, when circus music issues from the speakers. At same instant, she glances up to the sight of a ferris wheel, carousel and midway tents across the street. Mabel erupts in laughter.

Next Month. High Noon
I'll receive a postcard. Photo side is a road sign. Message on back reads, "Follow it."