Escaping Vanity

 by Michael L. Craver Adjusting to sleeping on the balcony wasn’t easy on her. This was the most expensive room; where just outside the temperature was coldest at night. He grew up in a less fortunate situation. Everyone in the family contributed for vacation to happen. There simply wasn’t enough money in smaller denominations. Nonetheless, their problems followed them wherever they went. Even away from home, each scenario seemed to present a struggle. With so many people staying in one room, there wasn’t a place for sleeping simultaneously. Not inside there wasn’t. This is where his tradition began. Every trip to the beach he slept on the balcony. As he grew older, he’d even sleep there alone. Sure, this caused issues when he was taking a trip with a girl. Because he’d leave her sleeping in the bed to go outside. This woman was different. Now he knew that she was the one… She followed him outside and woke up smelling sunshine. The dry sweetness off the ocean and breeze cooli...

  The man had gone through a half dozen phones because of her clumsiness. That was, until technology caught up with his heroism. Perhaps, somewhere else in the world they’ve always had waterproof phones. But each time he dove in the cost was a change of clothes and deductible on the mobile insurance. While on vacation, California was simply too vast for them to visit all of their desired locations. There was still 36 hours until the flight home was supposed to board. But, changing the tickets, car, and booking a new hotel in Santa Monica was the best money he’d ever spent. The extra three days together on the West Coast did amazing things for their relationship. Seated next to the wooden shelves with expensive wines, a server guided their culinary journey. As the restaurant thinned out, their entrees were nearly finished. The server moved the couple to a large table, so they could stretch out. Countless moments had been spent shopping for the perfect outfit. Despite the work an...