Waving frantically at the street car, Talullah raced toward the platform on flying feet.

Pulling into the station, Mr. Brassbuttons tipped his cap. “Where to today, Miss Talulllah?”

Cheeks flushed, the breathless young lady answered, “Rose City Station please, Mr. B.”

Mr. Brassbuttons raised both eyebrows in surprise as the ancient trolley lurched ahead. It rocked gently back and forth on its way down the tracks.

Seated on the bench immediately behind the handsome conductor, Talullah leaned forward to visit. “It’s Flower Market Day, Mr. B,” she reminded him. “The missus wants daffodils to ‘spread spring to every room,’ and I so love their sunny yellow faces!”

Mr. Brassbuttons knew she was smiling, even without turning to look. Talullah MacGinnis was the bright spot along his weekday route. She carried a smile in her heart, he was sure of it. They chatted about the weather, the new lambs at Hagar’s Pond, and upcoming fare increases. Just past Market Street, Mr. Brassbuttons eased the trolley into Rose City Station.

“See you this afternoon, then?” Talullah called, stepping lightly down the steps.

“This afternoon—” he agreed aloud. Then to himself he added, “—won’t be soon enough!”

© Ric Hardson. Original for CCF  first electronic rights for one month; CCF may archive the material indefinitely and include it in an eBook anthology).