Mary hadn’t noticed the woman standing at the next sink, re-applying her makeup. “I’m fine, thanks. Just a little light-headed from lack of food.”

“Well then, a restaurant is the right place to be.”

Mary smiled weakly. “You’re right. I’m sure I’ll be fine as soon as I have something to eat.”

“Have a nice night.”

“You too.” She exited the bathroom and returned to the table. Sam jumped up as she approached. He held her chair for her.

“Are you all right? I was worried about you. You were pale as a ghost.”

“I’m fine. I-I just didn’t have time to eat anything today.”

“Dig in.” Sam indicated the steaming plate of spaghetti with marinara sauce that had arrived while she was in the lavatory.

She was hungry and ate without pause. Afterward, she wiped her mouth and sat back.

“I think you liked it.” Sam grinned.

“Delicious. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. The sky is clear. Want to take a stroll and walk off all that pasta and garlic bread?”

“Sure.”

Sam settled the bill and held the door for her. He looped his arm through hers and they wandered the streets of South Philly.

“This is nice.” Mary meant it. For once, he wasn’t pressuring her or pushing her to decide.

“It is nice,” Sam agreed. “We could do this all the time when we’re married. You’d like that, right?”

There it was again. Mary’s heart stuttered.

“Right?”

Sam pulled them up short, spun her toward him, and kissed her hard on the mouth. Mary struggled against him. Finally, she stomped on his foot.

“Ouch!” He released his hold.

“Sam Abel, don’t you ever, ever do that to me again like that without my permission.”

“I have to ask you if it’s okay to kiss you? What the hell? I mean, what the heck? What is wrong with you?” He was breathing heavily.

Mary crossed her arms. “I don’t enjoy being pawed. I don’t know any girls that do.”

“And I don’t like being treated like I’m some sort of pervert just because I want to get close to my girl… You know, the one I’ve asked to marry me?”

They stood facing each other, less than a foot separating them. In truth, Mary noted ironically to herself, they were worlds apart.

“Are you ever going to give me an answer?”

“If you keep pestering me, you won’t like the answer, I can promise you that much.”

“Will I like the answer anyway, Mary? Will I? Are you just leading me on? Stringing me along?”

“N-no.” Was she? “I need more time. For Heaven’s sake, I just graduated tonight. My father is off fighting this horrible war and could die any minute… I can’t breathe. I need to breathe.”

“I’ll let you breathe, all right. You can find your own way home.” Sam stalked off.