Ernest smiles, not sure of his next move.
“Well, I should be going. Where do you want to go?”

Elisabeth smiles
“You asked me out. You decide, after work tonight would be OK, pick me up.”

Ernest’s heart can be heard through his chest. His mind raises. He has reached untouched soil, he’s as smooth as sandpaper.

The manager yells from the back. “You don’t work today!”

“I’ll take your phone number and I’ll have something special planned for us tonight.”

Elisabeth seems delighted.
“I can’t wait.”

OH! A three pointer at the buzzer, the underdog team has won! The gods have given him the power to speak words that actually sound normal! Amazing, Ernest coudn’t be happier. Nothing could ruin this moment.

Manager runs from the back looks at Ernest, then outside through the huge windows in the front of the store.
“Ernest! Your car is on fire!