The Balloon That Drifted

Marek and Clara have been married for twenty-five years. For the anniversary, Marek books a balloon ride. They go up at five o'clock. The wind changes. The balloon flies far, to a valley. It lands in a field of vines. There is a harvest party! The farmers say, "The surprise act!" They give Clara a basket and Marek a hat. They stomp grapes with purple feet. They dance. At midnight a tractor takes them to the pilot's truck. "The best wrong turn of our lives," says Marek.