Buying a New Dryer

I relish sharing time spent with her.
I'll take whatever chances I can get.
The eggs taste a bit like soft, salty rubber
But the pancakes are filled with cheesecake crust
and smothered in bright red syrupy strawberries
These portions are too large
and she doesn't eat leftovers
but, luckily, I live off of them

"You should start charging for your services,
All you need is a business card."
I show her mine, telling her she can keep it.
She hands it back.
"Meet anyone interesting lately?"
Somebody from Finland they share no mutual friends with.
I ask the questions,
she answers them,
as we pace through the rows of giant home appliances.

Who knew how far technology had come?
These dryers with moisture sensors that automatically turn off when the clothes are dry
All kinds of speeds with all kinds of temperatures for all kinds of fabrics
All on one large, shiny knob
After two hours, the old dryer still left the clothes damp and moist
We had put up with it for years.
What took so long?

How far have we come?
Since those quiet afternoons following the busy days of school,
when I played my video games while she collected her stickers and crafts.
This is a rare moment
to spend a little more time together
over this holiday errand,
purchasing a new dryer for the home we are leaving behind,
this home that raised us.