Pumpkins are at Costco.

The pumpkins are contained in 3-Foot Tall Cardboard Boxes.

The Boxes Sit on Wooden Pallets. Brimming to Overflowing with Pumpkins.

Almost as Far as the Eye Can See.

While I wait for Mr. Doodle to select his Bacon, I notice an Older Couple Trying to Select a Pumpkin.

Standing on the Edge of the Pallet, the Man reaches in the Box and carefully lifts out a Pumpkin.

Behind the Face Mask, His Eyes Light Up as He shows the Lady the Prize.

She shakes her Head. Sadly. No.

Gallantly, He tries Again. And Again. And Again.

Each Time She shakes her head. No. Her Eyes are Sad.

He catches my eye. His eyes twinkle. My eyes twinkle back at him.

He keeps trying.

Then I hear Miss Doodle – Oh Look! Pumpkins! We Need a Pumpkin!

She excitedly runs over to the box. On tiptoes she can’t see over the top.

Mr. Doodle to the Rescue.

Now Both Men are eyeing the Pumpkin Prizes.

The Lady nods at me. Even behind the mask, She looks oh so very tired.

Mr. Doodle picks from the “discarded ones”. Determined.

In the Same Moment, Both Men lift up Pumpkins.

Yes! That’s the One! Mr. Doodle hoists the Pumpkin into the Carriage.

The Lady Nods, Yes. Her Pumpkin is carefully placed in her carriage.

Her eyes twinkle. My heart soars.

They wheel the carriage away. Walking side by side.

Hands touching ever so slightly. She looks stronger, with him by her side.

Pumpkins.

And a Little Cinderella Story of Love.