Into the new year Arlene was feeling like her thirties could be the best years of her life. She had a few good female friends, an okay job and a man who could be there for her. The desire for polluting the mind was subdued. Thoughts of suicide are now only in jest.

Cutting back as much as we could almost had nine thousand dollars tucked away. Each local paper would be checked right after delivery for new home listings.

On Valentine's day she didn't want to spend any real money so we exchanged cards and requests. We both wanted a massage, Arlene was thinking mine would be sex so it could be included. Even though my massage seemed hurried, for some reason, she got everything hoped for.

Nearing the end of February Arlene happened onto a perfect brick bungalow for us with a garage workshop in the back. A widowed coworker tired of taking care of a house and yard was ready to move into an apartment. Offering the house at a reasonable price.

Adding to Arlene's excitement the paperwork took us through March. On her birthday we signed the final mortgage papers. Delighted at first for getting her, own home as birthday gift. When the agent pointed out the house was in both our names it made it even more perfect for her; realizing there was a legal document binding us to one place, together. Later she explained her feelings saying it was as good as marriage papers in her heart. I wasn't going to argue it but knew she should have a ring one day too.

At the end of April we were ready to leave the old shack behind. Cleaning out the dresser drawer Arlene found the tucked away pills. Looking at the few within she shrugs tosses the bag of pills in the garbage beside her. Later collecting the garbage I see pills and realize Arlene is done with this stuff. I smile for Arlene but take them out and stash them in the old dope box to be forgotten about.

Having moved the items we wanted to the new place spent a day cleaning out the shack and burning what we didn't want from both properties. With much to burn we stayed side by side into the night, contently watching the fire.

After ten o'clock, out of the corner of my eye thought there was saw smoke by the barn. Turning to get a better look saw our vapory mist easing towards the field. Not wanting to speak I lightly elbowed Arlene pointing it out.

"Hmm, what?" Seeing it her mouth and eyes go wide. Not wanting to say anymore either closes her mouth. Both scared and curious she sidles up beside me, taking an arm for security.

Feeling a tight grip on my arm know she's scared, but we both want to see where its' going. Looking almost like a long white silk scarf floating on a gentle breeze, we lose sight of it as it goes behind the tin silo. Arlene and I waited in anticipation for it pass beyond the silo. Nothing, no more mist seen, if it wasn't for the sound of our garbage fire we would've been able to hear our thumping hearts.

Glancing into each other's eyes were both about to speak when a huge gust of wind blows right through the fire and us taking the heat with it. Both of us went instantly cool and covered in goose bumps.

Teary-eyed Arlene queries in a shaky voice, "Rob, what the fuck was that? Tell me you get blasts of wind like that down here because of the lake."

Wanting to tell her, just that, couldn't. "I think our mist just said good bye to us."

"Holy Fuck! You feel tingly too. Like before right?"

"I do." We held each other looking about.

Calming us enough to nervously laugh spot Sheena sleeping comfortably under the truck like nothing was going on. As our hearts slow down we're thinking similarly, that was our shack spirit, good, bad or scary, together we experienced something no other could.

Sighing simultaneously we shrug as Arlene puts out there, "is it weird I want that to happen again?"

"No." I figured that would be the last time to even see the spirit.

Watching Sheena, Arlene asks, "what are you going to do with your old truck?"

"I offered it to anyone who wanted it. Come and get it. I don't think I'll ever fix it up myself. Feel foolish now for turning away those that stopped by asking to buy it. Guess I'll just have it towed to a wrecking yard and be done with it."

"Oh." Having become fond of Sheena she suggests, "our driveway is long enough why don't we just keep it."

"Keep it?" To me a woman with tools in hand and smudges on the skin is sexy. "Why you want to fix it up one day?"

"I was thinking more for Sheena. Her dog house."

A sentimental gesture, that went right to my heart. "Oh, that's a sweet idea. Thinking of Sheena like that. I love you."

Though I'd said the actual words to her casually before, she heard it differently that night. Once again a freaky incident occurs and I aid her in keeping calm and grounded. She knew it for sure we were in love and could make a life together. "I love you too."

Embraced already we started kissing. As the fire died our heat rose. We figured lets' chance one more time in that old shack and see what happens.

It was just like our first time awkward and clumsy with nothing but the floors or small kitchen counter to use.

After laughing at our selves, getting redressed we went back outside. While watching the embers cool smoke one more joint.

Back at our new home, made sure to christen the bedroom, before collapsing.

The next day in our new-to-us kitchen Arlene hears a dog barking out back. "Sounds like Sheena will have a new friend to play with."

Laughing aloud I get Arlene to look outside to see for herself, while I inform her, "that's Sheena telling tree rats, who's yard this is now."

Arlene smiles watching Sheena outside, "figures it's squirrels she'll bark at."

As much as our new neighbors hated seeing that abused pick-up truck in our back yard we'd love it and our new home. So much so it gave Arlene the confidence to say her blurry years are now behind her. With much to be proud of Arlene has to have an open house inviting our limited families to meet our new friends.

Seeing his girl blossomed into a happier woman would've thrilled her father. Knowing the way Arlene was and could be, I know my parents would've loved having her in my life.

At the end of it all no matter how things played out Arlene was the kind of person deserving of a place she could indeed flourish just being her self and loved. Knowing what's truly worth getting upset over and being able to say what ever was thought, we could've made it as a couple.

Though setting out with an idea to save her from her self I know in the end it would've been her to save me from myself.

Sure life's paths will always have rough patches and hills to climb. Those hills and rough patches are so much easier to get past when there's somebody there with you.

Arlene, I truly hope this simple life fantasy made you smile.

Maybe one day I'll find out, maybe one day

A Better End