“Keep your eyes closed, Titus.”
February 14th was never warm in the northeast United States, but there I was in nothing but a pair of tight red underpants and snow boots as Blake dragged me out of bed, through my kitchen, and out my back door forty-five days into the year 2000.
“You blindfolded me.” The wind chimes hanging from my back deck’s awning clanged in my ears as I walked right into them. “Why do my eyes have to be closed?” I swatted at clinking metal.
“Because I don’t want you peeking.”
“Did it snow?” A bit of cold, wet fluff against my bare hip as I was pulled down eight slick wooden steps indicated it had.
“It did, Greenie, but now the sun is out.”
“I feel it. And I almost slipped. Could you slow down?”
Blake giggled. “Sorry. I’m excited.” As if she had to say it. “Everyt
