The Propose Day

It was one of those days when the sun was out, the birds were chirping, and somewhere in a house far too crowded for comfort, trouble was brewing. Dan and Stella, married for a respectable 34 years, found themselves in a bit of a pickle. You see, the silence between them had grown so immense that one could fit an entire cricket match in it and still have room for tea. Matters took a decidedly sharp turn for the worse when Dan’s parents moved in. Suddenly, Stella found herself ousted by her mother-in-law, who took command of the house with the enthusiasm of a general rallying troops.

To add a dash of spice, Dan’s sister-in-law had a habit of storming into rooms and taking umbrage at every decision Stella made, firmly believing herself to be second-in-command, which one can assume is a rather coveted position in such scenarios.

With Stella contemplating a dramatic exit, they turned to the ever-wise Padre Concaso, a man known for his penchant for unorthodox solutions and an eye for the absurd.

“My dear flock,” he proclaimed, his voice resonating with the authority of one who often has to calm church bazaar riots, “I propose, and quite fittingly given the occasion, that you celebrate Propose Day anew!”

He explained the delightful concept of Propose Day, a modern invention where one professes love with grand romantic gestures. It sounded like just the ticket to resuscitate their flagging spirits. Padre Concaso suggested they renew their vows and throw a bash that would make even the most jaded heart flutter.

Now, Propose Day, as it happens, is a part of Valentine’s Week, and is about as romantic as a moonlit stroll through a garden of roses—both of which would feature prominently in the forthcoming celebration. Dan, inspired by the padre’s enthusiasm, decided to recreate their wedding day, complete with an abundance of roses, soft melodies wafting through the air, and of course, the entire congregation present to witness this renewal.

On the day in question, as the church clock struck the hour, Dan and Stella stood before Padre Concaso, who had a gleam in his eye and a smile that suggested he enjoyed a good narrative twist.

“My dear Dan and Stella,” he began, “Today we embark on a journey of re-discovery. Not unlike finding an old jam jar at the back of the cupboard and realizing it’s still quite good!”

Dan, never one for speeches, found himself surprisingly eloquent as he took Stella’s hands. “Stella, old girl,” he said, eyes misting up a touch, “I admit, I’ve been a bit of a chump. Here’s to listening more, talking less, and ensuring our lives are as smooth as a well-oiled wicket.”

Stella, no less moved, responded with, “Dan, dear, it’s been a bumpy ride, but I’ve never stopped loving you. Here’s to patience, communication, and making our house a home again—assuming your mother lets me, of course.”

With that, they exchanged rings again, and the crowd erupted into applause. There followed an evening of laughter, anecdotes, and the kind of merriment that only comes when people have decided to seize happiness with both hands.

As the festivities wound down, Dan and Stella felt a renewed sense of purpose and a promise to never let silence build walls between them again. They agreed on small changes to maintain harmony, much to the relief of everyone involved.

And so, dear reader, Propose Day gave them the chance to reconnect, reaffirm their love, and continue writing their story with new-found determination and plenty of humor. For in the end, it’s the whimsical moments and the laughter that keep the heart young.