Robert arrived at work early and made his way to his desk. He waved hello and greeted everyone he saw. He was in a very chipper mood this morning and as soon as he sat down, he got right back up. He realized he hasn't used his vacation days thus far this year. He rushed back out of the office just in time to barely catch the bus back to his apartment. He packed his bag and by the time he had he was starving. So he headed down to Casa de Waffle for a small meal. He sat down at the booth behind a girl he recognized from his apartment building. He couldn't recall her name but he overheard her talking about a vacation as well. He decided not to continue listening in and went about planning his own vacation. He decided it would be something small, like maybe camping. He loved camping when he was a kid. Being able to step  out of tent and looking up at the stars; they were so beautiful out in the mountains. There were so many and they all seemed to shine so brightly. In fact, that was Robert's least favorite thing about the city, the lack of stars in the sky at night. He thought he might ask Mary if she'd like to go along. He pictured the two of them sitting around a campfire. Not a care in the world. Robert had been learning the guitar for no other reason than he had tried in the past and failed and was now feeling confident in himself. He didn't know much, only about three chords (so he could play most pop songs). But he figured it could get him through a weekend away.

At this point, Robert had finished his meal and wanted nothing more than to head off to the mountains with Mary for a few days. He wanted to share his experience with her and make her happy. He thought about everything they could do, a hike, a picnic, anything really; and sooner than he realized, he was walking in the door of his apartment building. He waited around in the lobby for hours waiting for Mary. He saw all sorts of people he never knew existed, let along lived in his building. And finally, after 5 hours, Mary arrived at the building, clearly exhausted from a day at work.

"Mary!" Robert said excitedly, "How was your day?"

"Oh, hello Robert," she replied, "it was fine I suppose."

"Well I was wondering something... I've got a few vacation days I need to use up and I was thinking of going somewhere, and I was wondering if maybe you'd like to join me."

"Uh, I don't know Robert, what did you have in mind exactly?"

"Well I was thinking about spending a few nights up in the mountains, it's really beautiful this time of year."

"Well I suppose I've got nothing better to do. Let me call my boss and let him know I won't be in the next few days and I'll give you a call tomorrow."

"Okay, well then I guess I'll talk to you tomorrow then."

"Okay, I'm gonna go get some sleep, long day." And Mary took the elevator up to her apartment.

Robert just stared on at the closed elevator doors and whispered to himself: "I love you."