Lunar Reverie
For three years of marriage, August Cross had perfected the art of managing our marriage.
"I can only walk a thousand steps with you each day. Every additional step will cost you $50."
At first, I thought he simply hated walking and was using this ridiculous rule as an excuse to avoid walking.
Then came this year's Thanksgiving holiday. August, his childhood friend Jolie Allen, and I traveled to Fairmont together.
As soon as we arrived, I pulled out the itinerary I'd prepared in advance, ready to visit Crownspire Palace. But Jolie insisted that August accompany her to the theater district instead.
"Gemma, you've already used up 999 of your steps for today. I can't walk with you anymore. Go wherever you want on your own."
Before I could respond, he turned and walked off with Jolie, chatting and laughing with her as they went. He left me, his wife, alone in the crowd.
At the end of the day, Jolie posted a photo dump on her social media.
"Having a childhood best friend is the best! He walked 30,000 steps with me today and even fought to carry my bag..."
If I was only allowed a thousand steps of his time each day, then I didn't need him for the rest of this trip, either.
I transferred the money to him, called myself a car, and then canceled both of their return flights on a whim.
"$49,950. Keep it. Consider today's steps together paid for. Once the holiday's over, you two can walk home..."