And here’s number 3 in my latest series, pieces inspired by Cowboy Bebop episode titles. This one’s called “Honky Tonk Women.”
“Do you really think that life will be that different out there? I mean, we’ve got it pretty good here, all things considered. The bar is even starting to turn a profit.”
“I don’t know. I want it to be better, but I don’t know. All I know is that they’ve offered me the job in Valentine.”
“Abby, you know we can’t afford to go to Mars!”
“They’ve offered to pay my way. Full coverage of relocation. Not just me, actually. Both of us.”
“Us?”
“You know I can’t imagine going anywhere without you. How long have we been together now?”
“Two years, next Thursday.”
“Exactly. What better way to celebrate our anniversary? We can even go out for a fancy dinner, steak, or sushi, or something, maybe go see a show. When was the last time we went out? It’ll be my treat, Emily.”
“But you always pay for dinner…”
“No buts, missy.”
“Fine. But on one condition.”
“To dinner, or to my taking the job in Valentine?”
“To your taking the job, I guess.”
“Okay.”
“Well…are you going to tell them about me? About us?”
“They already know, Em. I had to put someone down as my beneficiary if something happens to me. I sure as hell wasn’t going to leave anything to my parents after what they said to you.”
“You’re…but…why?”
“Because I love you, you big dork.”
“I love you too, Abby.”
“So, they’ve offered us relocation expenses, including a ride on the TPE next week. Our stuff will be sent along as freight, so we don’t have to worry about having some jackass movers meet us there. We’ve already got a lease ready to sign for an apartment in central Valentine, just down the street from the library. They want me to start as soon as we can get there.”
“Oh my God…”
“I know. We’re going to be set, hun.”
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
“They just got back to me yesterday. I wanted to surprise you with the news, but you were at work, and I didn’t want to tell the whole bar. It’s not like you could’ve heard me over that godawful country crap they play in there.”
“What are we going to do about it?”
“The bar? Sell it! Hasn’t James been talking to you about converting part of it into a hookah place anyway? Let him have the whole building. Start a new one on Mars! You can call it ‘The Mars Bar’ or some other lame pun like you love so much.”
“You know me way too well…”
“I thought that was the idea.”
“So, you’ve got a new job that’s going to take care of both of us.”
“Yup.”
“It sounds like they thought of everything.”
“There’s no other library like it in the solar system. They said they wanted the best people to work for them, and they picked me, so here we are.”
“So, when do we leave?”
“How quickly can you pack?”
“I don’t even know what to say.”
“Say you’ll come with me to Mars, and we’ll be able to live our dreams together.”
“I’ll go.”
The Swords of the Ancients 
2 Comments
Was that from Cowboy Bebop? I think I might remember that one…when Jet was talking to his old lover? I love that show and since I cannot for sure recall that I will have to watch the whole series over again!
That bit you just read is my original story, though it shares a title with an episode of Cowboy Bebop. It’s one of a series of pieces inspired by the greatest anime of all time. I’m glad you’re a fan of the series, though, and I’m really glad that you want to rewatch it. It’s definitely worth the time. Sorry for any confusion I might have caused you.