Milton's family was constantly reminding him of his bachelorhood,
as if he wasn't painfully aware of his solitary life.
"You'll fall in love some day",
they said at every family gathering,
always with the spirit of a mocking taunt.
They had no idea that he was in love
and had been for several years.
He fell in love with Elaine
shortly after she and her clarinet
joined the community band
that he directed on Monday evenings.
She was talented, smart and witty,
and he looked forward to seeing her each week.
He sensed a spark of interest on her part,
but his lack of confidence made him hesitate,
and Elaine began to enjoy the company of Lawrence,
the first trombonist.
After the last rehearsal,
Elaine and Lawrence approached Milton
asking if the community band might play
at their upcoming Spring wedding.
Milton congratulated them,
saying that of course the band would play.
He went home with the certainty
that his life would always be a
solitary one.
