David just landed a job at Melpar, Inc., adding components to military rockets. The job required that he wear a white jumpsuit and hair covering. He worked within a glass encased room, which made him feel more like a lab experiment than a rocket builder. Still, he was beginning to feel important for the first time in his life. He was required to know simple algebraic equations–stuff he never understood in high school, that now seemed to come easily to him. He couldn't figure out why this high-tech job would hire a young, so-called dumb kid from the country. The job was a bit dangerous, and maybe that was why, but they desperately needed a decent income.
Within months, David began to feel competent enough in his ability to provide for a family.
This particular day was exciting for David as he arrived home from work. He had been secretly moving them into their first apartment and was going to surprise Nancy with the news. "Come on honey, get into the car. I have a surprise for you." "David, what is it? Tell me," she whined. Reluctantly, he told her the news. "We're moving into our very own place." "What? Why didn't you tell me?" "I wanted to surprise you and move before the baby came. I want to be on our own as a family." She smiled at the sound of the word 'baby.' The pregnancy was unplanned and progressed the future of their budding relationship faster than anyone wanted. They had a small wedding, both looking more like prom dates than bride and groom. "Close your eyes." She rolled them instead. "Why?" She sulked. He emphasized again, "because I want it to be a surprise."
As they pulled up to the building, he hopped out of the Chevy, raced around to open her door, and guided her to the apartment. “Keep them closed,” he chided. He kissed her gently, opened the door and swooped her up into his arms as he walked over the threshold. "Wee," she squealed, with the delight of a little girl. It was a dump, but she didn’t care. She grinned broadly as he set her down, steadying her as the pregnancy sickness caused her to become woozy. David flipped on the lights as they heard, click, click, click, click, click. "EEEEEK David!" Nancy screamed and flew back into his arms for security, as thousands of shiny, tobacco brown cockroaches scurried into the cracked plaster, up the walls and under the furniture. They were falling off of the light fixtures, and one even landed in the spot that Nancy had stood only moments before. "Oh my gosh David! I think this house is already occupied!" He began to chuckle at her squeamishness. "They are only bugs. We'll buy some fumigating spray and get rid of them. Don't worry now, I'll take care of things. Now let's look around. You haven't even seen the place yet.” As they took the five second tour of the 300 square foot room, they heard another strange noise. "David? What is that noise?" Flooosh! Bam bam! Clunk! Drip. Shoooooooooooooo clank. "It's the toilet flushing in the upstairs apartment." His solemn expression made her burst out laughing. Soon they were doubled over, laughing uncontrollably. “Well, regardless of what anyone says, this is still OUR home now,” declared Nancy, still laughing at the hilarity of the situation.
David walked over to an old black and white TV set and turned it on. “Well, it's not all bad. At least we have entertainment. Look at this. I haven't had a chance to try it out yet, but it seems to work pretty good. It was great of my sister to give it to us since it will be years before we can afford our own." He tuned the television set to a news program and plopped down in their solitary piece of somewhat comfortable furniture, a plaid, lime green couch. He pulled his young wife onto his lap. After a few minutes, Nancy turned to him and queried, "Is it just me or is the picture on the TV set shrinking?" Slowly, the image of the anchorman began fading into a tiny, white speck on the screen. David got up and walked over to the set. Bang! Bang! Bang! Nothing. "Hey, this set feels hot. Nan, go and grab that fan in the corner over there." She retrieved the banged up, old fan and handed it to David. He hastily plugged in the fan, flicking the on switch. "If I face it towards the back, it just may work." After about ten minutes, the picture started to return. "How about that!" David exclaimed. Nancy rolled her eyes again. "You're a real genius," she replied, "but what other unknowns are we going to find in this place?" He walked over to her and attempted to melt the ice that was evidently forming around her body. She stood with her arms crossed, glancing around, as if she were daring another surprise to manifest from the tiny room. David had to think of something to say. "You just relax there young lady. Pretty soon, I'll be getting enough extra from my paycheck and I am going to treat you to a dinner out–burgers, fries and milkshakes. Chocolate milkshakes." She wasn't amused. "David, don't you think we should use our money to buy things like…oh, maybe curtains for the windows? Or we could even purchase some real butter," she said rather sarcastically. He grabbed her hand, twirled her around and pulled her in close, as he kissed her forehead. "Someday, Mrs. Dinning, I am going to be rich and if you want, you will be able to bathe in butter." She laughed at his choice of luxuries. "Well Mr. Dinning, I think you are crazy!" The upstairs toilet echoed her sentiments. Flooosh! Bam bam! Clunk! Drip. Shoooooooooooooo clank.
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