SPRING FEVER

         Jake groaned with pleasure. There really was nothing as great as the feel of soft, sun-warmed grass against the skin. His legs kicked in the air as he rolled. Vaguely, he was aware of buzzing bees, twittering birds, muted bits of conversations. Sighing contentedly, Jake gazed up at the brilliant blue sky. Slowly his eyes closed and Jake surrendered to the serenity.

         Gradually, eventually, Jake awakened. Had he felt the tiniest tickle across his face? No, there it was, a rumble, a grumble tumbling in his gut. Reluctantly, he stumbled to his feet, shaking his head free of the cobwebs of a perfect nap. Now where had he left Dave?

         Jake set off in the general direction of the park's fountain. His pace quickened when he spotted Dave still seated on a worn wooden bench. Dave must be hungry by now too.

         Quietly, Jake slipped up next to his friend. Dave seemed strangely nervous. He hadn't even acknowledged Jake's presence. His toes were tapping the ground non-stop. He repeatedly checked and re-checked his watch. Constantly, Dave's head swivelled as if he was scanning the area. Puzzled, Jake nudged his friend's leg and spoke. "Hey, what are we waiting for?"

         Absentmindedly, Dave's hand found Jake's head and for a wonderful moment Jake enjoyed the delicious scratching. Jake squinted through one eye as the massage stopped and he sensed Dave rising to his feet. He too stood when Dave took a few steps forward.

         Glancing up, Jake noticed an expectant grin lighting Dave's features. Turning to stare past the suddenly animated man beside him, Jake beheld a smiling, waving woman hurrying towards them. Oh, no! Dave had spring fever. ( 277 words)