I cautiously made the turn onto the dark and empty road. We’d carefully chosen our new home for it’s proximity to a wildlife preserve. It was our attempt at escaping the madness of the city. Driving at night on deserted country roads came with the territory. It would take some getting used to.

I drove past miles of what I knew to be a sod farm; only at night the expanse of grass became invisible in the darkness. I drove slowly with only my own headlights to light the way. The black inky darkness surrounded the car like a velvet curtain.

Tonight Richard and I had theater tickets for a musical in town. Otherwise we might not have ventured out. I rounded the traffic circle knowing civilization was ahead. Suddenly streetlights graced the side of the road lighting up the way as I passed the gas station, Wal-Mart and an assortment of fast food restaurants.

“Look at the full moon.” Richard pointed out.

‘Wow, look how full it is tonight. It’s beautiful,” I observed.

A huge round white, glowing moon sat low in the sky. We passed under the interstate and it was gone.

We talked about our wonderful evening at the theater during the ride home. As we entered the pitch-black section of road I asked, “Where’s that moon? I need some light to guide me home.”

‘That’s funny. Must be behind some clouds.’ I thought. I could count the stars in the clear night sky.

Two weeks later we set off down the same route at about the same time, for another evening outing.

“Look at that moon. It sure is gorgeous,” Richard declared as the car rounded the traffic circle.

“Wasn’t there a full moon a couple weeks ago? How can it be full again so soon?” I asked.

A gorgeous glowing moon hung in its same spot in the night sky.

On the way home again I wondered where that moon was to guide me. It was hiding.

A few nights later we made our way again toward the Wal-mart, and were stopped by a red light.

“Look at the moon.” Richard pointed out for the third time.

I squinted my eyes and looked more closely. How could the moon be so elusive later in the evening and shine so brightly and glowing earlier? And how could it be so full so often? Was I losing my mind? I must be.

Finally it dawned on me.

“I’m really going to make you feel stupid,” I said as the light turned green.

“Why?” he asked.

“The moon is in a perfect spot to be seen from the highway. It’s the Burger King sign.”