On the Way to Their Third Date, They Saw a Sign That Read, “Seeking Gently Used Sock Donations”

by John Sheirer

“Can you imagine?” he asked from across the restaurant table.

“Second-hand socks?” she responded. “No!”

“They’ve been on people’s feet,” he continued. “Their feet.”

She shuddered. “Feet. Gross.”

He nodded agreement.

She pondered then said, “I don’t think I’ve ever touched another human being’s feet.”

“Same,” he responded. “And no one’s ever touched mine.”

“Same, too,” she said.

They were quiet for a moment.

“I wonder …” he began.

She slipped off a shoe. He did the same. Neither wore socks. They each lifted a bare foot into the other’s lap.

Seconds later, they called for the check and skipped dessert.