The grassy expanse stretched out before them, dotted with families having picnics and children flying kites. The scent of fresh grass and blooming flowers filled the air, mingling with the distant hum of traffic.
“How do we get to the top? It looks like a lot of steps.” Callan asked, nodding towards the monument.
“They no longer allow people to climb the stairs. There’s an elevator that will take us up to the observation deck,” Daisy explained. “We’ll be able to see all around, including all the way to Virginia and Maryland.”
Callan nodded, intrigued. “Lead on, then.”
Before they went up, Daisy met someone she knew that used to live in Boston. He’d pet sit Frankie and drop him off at the campsite after the symphony.
It was fun watching Callan as he looked out at the views. Once they were back on solid ground, they decided what to see next.
The Smithsonian was packed, so they decided to skip it and stay near the monument, enjoying the day. When Callan said they’d stop on the way back home to see the Smithsonian and the National Gallery, Daisy thought her heart would burst. So he was planning to come back with her, after all.
Filled with happiness, Daisy left Callan and Frankie watching a brother and sister flying kites.
“I’ll bring lunch back.”
Distracted, he nodded as she made a beeline for a store she’d spotted earlier.
The shopkeeper greeted her with a friendly smile as she selected a simple but elegant St. Christopher medal for Callan to replace the one he had lost when he’d traveled through time.
Late that afternoon, they made their way towards the Kennedy Center for an afternoon performance by the National Symphony Orchestra.
The grand foyer was impressive, the scent of fresh flowers permeated the air as Callan took in the opulent surroundings—the chandeliers, the plush carpets, and the sweeping staircases.
“This place is magnificent,” he remarked, his voice hushed.
She smiled, leading him towards their seats in the concert hall. “Just wait until you hear the music.”
They found their seats, and as the audience settled, a collective hush fell over the room as the musicians took their places.
When the first notes of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 filled the air, Callan leaned forward in his seat, eyes glued to the stage.
After a few minutes, he sat back, eyes closed, a look of pure serenity on his face as he allowed the music to wash over him.
“Isn’t it wonderful?” she whispered, leaning close to his ear.
Callan opened his eyes, his expression one of awe. “Aye, makes my heart and soul happy.”
When the famous “Ode to Joy” theme rang out, Daisy clasped Callan’s hand, her heart full.
When the last notes faded, and the conductor lowered his baton, the audience erupted into applause. Daisy and Callan joined in, their cheers mingling with those around them. The conductor took several bows, acknowledging the thunderous appreciation of the crowd.
As they left the concert hall, he took her hand.
“Come on, we’ll take a drive before heading to the campsite.”
They drove around, looking at the Capitol and other buildings, watching the lights come on.
They’d had hotdogs with all the fixings and ice cream for lunch, so Daisy thought for dinner they’d have a simple meal of corn on the cob, a steak salad, and slices of watermelon.
After shucking the corn, and taking the trash out, Daisy returned to find her friend had dropped Frankie off. The dog and Callan were sound asleep in a hammock next to the van. Not wanting to wake them, she bustled around, cutting up the watermelon, slicing the steak, and making the salad. They’d bought a couple of bottles of Martini & Rossi Asti Sparkling Wine that she’d serve with dinner.
When she set the small table outside, she caught Callan just waking up, looking refreshed. He noticed the small package on the table and raised a brow.
“Did ye go shopping, lass?”
She’d changed into a yellow and white gingham sundress and left her hair loose.
