Joe Doe walks down the mall with his collar up against the wind. It's Valentine's Day and he would rather drink battery acid than partake in this silly holiday.

He hates red. He hates chocolate. He thinks he hates love.

"Bah humbug!" he mutters under his breath.

As Joe stomps toward College Avenue he sees his neighbor Harry walking hand-in-hand with his girlfriend.

"Joe," Harry calls out as he runs toward him. Joe frowns. He hoped Harry wouldn't see him because Harry is always happy. Joe hates happy.

"I'm glad I saw you Joe, I need a favor," Harry says. "I'm supposed to take my girlfriend out to dinner tonight but I must of lost my money. She's been looking forward to this forever, can you loan me a little?"

Joe looks at the ground, hands shoved in his coat pockets feeling the bills he just got out of the MAC machine.

He's about to make an excuse to happy Harry when suddenly, time stands still. The sky splits open and down flies a chubby baby. Despite the weather, all this kid has on is a diaper and in her hand, a bow and arrow.

"Don't shoot!" shouts Joe, hiding behind his hands.

"Quit your crying," says the babe. "Do you think I just shoot anyone? Ya gotta understand the true meaning of Valentine's Day before you get a taste of this arrow."

"Why would I want to get shot?" he asks, puzzled.

"Because it's the joy of the world," cries the cherub as she makes a small scratch on Joe's hand with her arrow.

Joe's hand begins to feel warm and at once the heat shoots throughout his whole body. His face feels loose, his jaw drops and he smiles. He now understands what this Valentine's Day deal is all about.

This holiday isn't just for lovers, but for parents and relatives and friends. Instead of sulking and feeling alone, Joe can share something with someone else -- he can take part in Valentine's Day. He can be happy.

Joe gives his bunch of $10 bills to Harry who grabs his girlfriend's hand and heads off to a downtown restaurant.

Cupid flies up in the sky and looks down at Joe. "See ya next year," says the babe.

Be a Joe this Valentine's Day. This holiday isn't just for melancholy wishes of true love. It's a chance to be nice. Smile, share a chocolate, make a friend. If you give it try, maybe Cupid will score a bull's eye next year.