by Kathleen Weisgerber

Created on: July 03, 2008

Fish by Moonlighting

Bright August morning sunshine warmed Diane as she lay alone on her bed. Her husband, David, was working again. It was early, only six-thirty, but Diane couldn't sleep anymore. In seven days she and David would celebrate their one year wedding anniversary. Diane knew just what she wanted to get David. It was ideal. She noticed it the night before as she and David walked home from their favorite pizza place. The 125 gallon aquarium sat in the window of Pat's Pet Shop with a fifty percent off sign taped to it's front. But even at a fifty percent discount, Diane wondered how she could afford it. She hoped David hadn't noticed her looking at it. She wanted so much to surprise him.

Since he was little, David had aquariums. His hobby, or rather his passion was fish. Diane knew her gift was going to thrill David.
The store hours painted on the door indicated it would open at nine a.m. Diane could hardly wait to find out how much the tank would cost. In the meantime, she would have breakfast.
In their kitchen, Diane sat at the table eating her favorite breakfast of coffee, juice and toasted Italian bread while thinking about her finances. In two weeks she would start
her new job as third grade teacher for Sward elementary school. Diane was very excited to be offered this position. It was exactly what she wanted for herself. But, it wouldn't help her to afford the aquarium in time for their anniversary. Diane had her own bank account, but the funds were quickly dwindling. She quit her part time job at the coffee house when the teaching position was offered.
By the time Diane showered and dressed it was after nine o'clock and the store was opened. David still wasn't home so Diane left a note explaining she had to run a few errands.
At the pet store, the salesman was very helpful. Diane explained that the tank would be a gift for her husband.
"Have you had any experience with aquariums yourself, miss?" the salesman inquired.
"No," answered Diane. "But David, that's my husband, has had plenty."
"Well then, I'll help you list all the things you'll need to set up a tank this size," offered the salesman.
Diane's head reeled from all the numbers that were just thrown at her. She
calculated as she walked home. She would need 350 dollars for the tank, 75 dollars for all the filters and pumps, 50dollars for all the plants and another 50 dollars for the fish. The grand total came to over 500 dollars. Diane sighed as she pondered the numbers.
She knew that she

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