“I can’t wait for that new interchange to be built. I know you’re the man to get it done!”

“I’m impressed with your plan to increase funding for the parks. Not many politicians realize that people are quite happy to pay higher taxes when they get the services they want.”

Linda appeared at Bob’s side. She leaned over to whisper in his ear. “The polls are closed. It won’t be long now.”

Later That Same Night

Bob stood in front of the microphone and cast his eyes across the people in the room. Eyes in sad and dejected faces focused on him.

“We need not be sad. We can hold our heads up high.”

Some of the people nodded and a few even smiled a little.

“We didn’t win . . .” Bob paused to study his audience as the sad looks returned. He continued, “. . . this time”. The crowd clapped and cheered.

“Tonight we sent the mayor a message.” The crowd clapped and cheered again. Bob waited for the applause to die down.

“I hope you will all join me in wishing the mayor success.” Slowly the people began to applaud. “I wouldn’t want to live in a city where he was a failure,” Bob added. That got a hearty laugh from the crowd.

Bob looked around as the crowd clapped and cheered. He saw Linda in the back. He thought he could see a tear in her eyes as she clapped.

Even Later That Same Night

The hour was late and the night was dark. Two figures walked down the street. They stopped in front of Linda’s home. Neither of them said anything.

Linda held her head down and shuffled her feet. “Bob, I don’t want you to take this the wrong way, but I’m glad you lost.”

Bob watched her and said, “Go on”.

Linda looked around, avoiding Bob’s face. “I remember the first time I saw you. You walked past my house just as I got home. I wanted to run right out and give you a big hug.”

Linda glanced at Bob and saw him smile.

“You’re going to think I’m foolish.” Linda paused to look at Bob. “I imagined that when you walked by, you were going to turn and walk up to the house.”

Bob chuckled. “You’re not the only one who has been foolish.” He made a silly face and Linda laughed.

“I was so excited when you came to my door to campaign. I only joined your campaign so I could get to know you.”

They smiled at each other.

“Do you still want to give me that big hug?”

Linda nodded.

They hugged.

Then they kissed.