38.

I refuse to be bested. I delve into the library of my mind and remember the ultimate solution to any locked passageway. I stand straight as an arrow, hands on my hips, and utter with great authority, "Open Sesame"! The door falls open. Victory is sweet and just. It's contents spill out, flooding the room with vast riches. I plunge into my well earned horde and seize my spoils. A new vacuum cleaner, rolls of wrapping paper, a mop, a garbage can, and a broken table leg. I dig through it all and, like Excalibur shinning brightly in the night, I find my one true broom. She lays lonely on the floor beneath these unworthy subjects. My eyes widen and I salivate. It's my winning lotto ticket, my one true love. I help her to her feet and we dance. We cavort about the kitchen, the endless somber song of my heart carrying out the beat as we waltz. 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3. Birth, life, death. Birth, life, death. Birth, life, death. My dance partner and I bond. The song is never ending but we could never dance forever so we give up. I carefully lean her upon the wall and then not so carefully heave everything else back into the closet. I slam the door shut, trapping the crap inside. I turn around and this gorgeous looking girl is watching me. She is glorious. I have no idea how long she has been there. I don't know if it's the pills, but my heart races faster and my knees start to shake. We stare at one another for eternity and I learn everything about her.