I was waiting outside the local GP surgery when Svetlana, or rather Emily as Ill call her, shuffled in on one leg, her ankle twisted badly. She had taken a misstep by accident and could barely limp. A bald bloke in a white coat darted past her, slipping right up to the doctors door before her. Exhausted, Emily perched on a plastic chair and muttered under her breath, Typical men, never give way! A woman standing nearby heard her and laughed, Hes been here twice today already, still cant find the right prosthetic. Hes in such a hurry, must be someone important. She turned to Emily, smiling, Thats Andrew, my neighbour. Lifes never been kind to him lost his leg up to the knee, his wife left him. Thought hed crumble, but look at him now, hopping along like a spring. No kids, no close kin. At that moment a slightly limping man stepped out of the consultation room, grinning, winked at Emily and the woman, and said, Ladies, shall we carry on with life? He gave the floor a firm tap and headed for the exit.
Emily chuckled at the word ladies. It wasnt about her any more. Shed married early, to a man twelve years her senior. By zodiac they were both Canines, which made for a good match in her mind. Peter, her husband, loved dogs; soon they owned a sturdy Labrador called Gus, and then Emily discovered she was pregnant.
Friends gushed, What a perfect family a house, a car, a cottage, a dog, a baby on the way. But at six months Emily suffered a miscarriage; they couldnt save their son. Peter tried to console her, then said, What can we do? Were not as young as we used to be, but at least we have Gus. Emily adored Gus, and Peter entered dog shows with him, yet a dog could never replace a child.
At a show Peter met Olivia, who also owned a Labrador. She soon made it clear she and Peter would have a child she was young, he was old, as fresh as a spring lamb compared to you, old girl! Olivia was almost twenty years younger than Peter, and fate seemed to have a sense of humour. Emily began to feel older than her years, as if her life had sped past in a blink. Retirements around the corner, Peter would say, as if she were already there.
One week later, after the stretch of her injury had almost healed, Emily returned to the doctors office and ran into the same bald man again.
Excuse me, miss, please go ahead of me. I jumped the queue, he said with an apologetic grin. When she left the consultation, he lingered by the door.
The next patient, called the nurse.
Theyre calling you, a voice announced. Emily was surprised he wasnt heading back inside.
Ive already been in, I was just joking. Im waiting for you, pretty lady. Im Andrew, and you must be Emily, right? I guessed that from those bright eyes. May I escort you a bit? Im a single disabled man, but I can keep you company.
Emily smiled, If Im a pretty lady, you dont look much like a disabled fellow yourself.
They walked out together, Andrew leaning on his arm for support as Emily still limped.
Shall we pop into that little café down the road? Its cheap and tasty I havent had breakfast yet, he suggested.
The chat was easy, and Andrew asked Emily to meet again; she didnt refuse.
One day, Andrew confessed later, dont think Im in a rush, I just worry someone might cut me off on the turn and leave me flatfooted again. Im limping, bald, and youre a beautiful young woman. He paused, then blurted, Emily, marry me! Dont say we barely know each other; I want to spend the rest of my life getting to know you. I have a flat, a job, Im a sturdy bloke. He looked at her expectantly, then lowered his head, sensing her hesitation. Everyone wants a healthy, wealthy partner these days, not a cripple.
Emily laughed, Youre the best, Andrew. It felt odd to say yes straight away, but Ill do it!
Miraculously, soon after the wedding Emily discovered she was pregnant. She had never imagined a child again after the loss; it felt as if time had turned back, making her feel young, beautiful, and cherished once more.
Look, Andy, our little Sasha has such curly hair! she exclaimed.
Andrew ran his hand over his smooth, bald head, Who would have thought the onceblond, lofty eagle would become this limping, bald man? Our sons eyes are yours, his curls yours.
Emily clung to his shoulder, I cant get enough of Sasha. It feels unreal that we have a child together. If we hadnt met, none of this would exist. Im crying, not out of sorrow but joy. Andrew, a little taken aback, replied, Dont be silly, love. Its a blessing. Look at Sasha he had to be born, Im sure of it. We wouldnt have found each other otherwise.
Honestly, Im crying from happiness, Emily said, wiping her tears and pressing closer to him. For the first time in my life Im shedding tears of joy. A smile spread across her face, tears glinting like tiny diamonds on her lashes. She felt rich beyond measure.
After all, the greatest wealth is a child, and true happiness is love.
