Hi, my name is Carl. Barbara, my partner of 25 years and I had just moved into the house we built. It was to be the last place we live. We are in our early fifties and had been able to retire early due to some wise investments. This house is fully handicap accessible and has a guest quarters on one side of the house in case we need to have someone stay with us when/if the need arises. We’re still in pretty good shape but there are some health problems revealing themselves the older we get so we built the house with that in mind.

This was the weekend of the party we were giving to celebrate the new house and many friends and relatives were attending. One of my cousins had arranged for a young choral group she is involved with to attend and provide some entertainment. They wanted the experience of an audience and she thought this would be appropriate. Three or four adults came with them and we were looking forward to hearing the youngsters sing.

We catered the food for the party and it was excellent. Guests were wandering all over the house and Barbara and I were spread out, answering questions about this and that, happy that everyone seemed to be having a good time. As the tour ended many guests chose a seat and began visiting with each other. Barbara and I smiled at each other when one would catch the other’s eye. It was a good day!

The caterers would serve dessert after the kid’s performance so I told my cousin that it was showtime! She got their attention and all twenty of them began to gather. These young people were around 13-14, possibly 15, so I don’t really know what I was expecting but we were about to get a treat. They sang several show tunes from the 1960’s which Barbara and I recognized immediately along with more modern songs from 2000 to today. They had a good mix of rock and spirituals and comic/silly songs. They were spectacular! The guests (and we) were stunned at their style and skill. It was a thoroughly entertaining show! When we had shown them our appreciation and the commotion died down everyone got in line for dessert. There were lovely choices available and I had trouble choosing between the peach mousse cake and the chocolate torte so I had a smidge of both! I was sitting on the couch when one of the young ladies in the singing group sat down next to me. She introduced herself as Carolyn and I told my name. She told me about the group and how she became a member and how long they had been doing this. She also said that she plays clarinet and violin and hammered dulcimer. I observed that she was a smart, pleasant girl who had a good head on her shoulders. We talked about a lot of other things such as computers, sports, music, social media and a lot more. She was a great young person and seemed mature beyond her years. All of a sudden she stopped and said, “You must think I am such a nerd.” ... I said that I didn’t think that at all. I told her that I knew several girls just like her when I was growing up and they all became terrific young women. She beamed at me and looked over to a young middle aged woman who I took to be her mother, one of the adults that came with the group. Her Mom smiled at her and then at me and and then Carolyn and I talked some more. She asked some questions about the house and Barbara and then we went our separate ways for awhile. After about an hour things started to wind down. Carolyn’s Mom found me and introduced herself as Gwen. We talked briefly and then she got an odd look on her face and said, ‘‘I have a strange request.’’ I said I would do what I could, what is it? ... Carolyn wants a kiss ... Long silence from me...”She really likes you and wants her first kiss to come from you.” ... I’m not sure I’m OK with this but I need to know how Gwen feels about it so I ask her. I think I’m OK with it. I have been watching how you are with people and think you are a decent person ... After some thought I say, “OK but you have to be in the room with us when we kiss.” ... She thinks that’s a good idea, agrees, and goes to get Carolyn. They come over to me and Carolyn has a very shy smile on her face...