This will be a different life
Emily never imagined, at twenty, what lay ahead. She was at university, headoverheels for Tom, and already dreaming of a wedding because the two of them were already planning it.
Tom was a few years older, having finished his National Service before the autumn ball at school when Emily was in her final year. She remembered the first time she saw him vividly. Though they lived in the same town and attended the same school, Tom had graduated earlier.
Whoa, whos that handsome bloke? Emily thought as Tom entered the hall. He scanned the room, spotted familiar faces, caught her eye and flashed a grin. She fell for him instantlyhow could she not? He was strikingly different from the usual lads.
Hi, Im Tom. And you are? he said, leaning over. Emily blushed, her cheeks turning pink. May I have this dance? he added, taking her by the waist and twirling her around.
Emily, she whispered. She felt weightless, as if she were floating, while Tom guided her confidently, each step perfectly in sync.
Youre a natural, Emily, he joked, smiling.
The whole evening Tom stuck by her side. They agreed hed see her home afterwards, and they lingered together, reluctant to part, though Emily knew she had to get backher mum would be worrying.
Tom never let a dull moment slip by. After school, Emily went to university in their hometown, while Tom started work. He didnt know the meaning of boredom; his sunny optimism was contagious. He had a wide circle of mates, and Emily often joined his crew at weddings and parties.
Even in the dead of winter Tom would surprise her with roses. Every date felt like a little celebration, whether they were coffeesipping in a café, taking a countryside stroll, or hanging out with friends.
When Emily was on her third year, Tom brightened her day.
Over the New Year break were heading to the ski resort. Ive already booked two tickets. Well get you on the slopes; the instructors are topnotch and will have you skiing in no time, he said.
Yay, Tom! Youre the best, Emily squealed, draping herself over his shoulders. Then, with a sudden sigh, she added, Oh, Im a bit of a scaredycat on the slopesdidnt you know that? and burst into giggles.
The trip was unforgettable. Emily quickly mastered the runs and loved it, though she mourned the end of the fairytale weekend. A few weeks later, on International Womens Day, Tom turned up at her doorstep with two bouquets.
Happy Womens Day, he said, handing one to Emilys mother, Mrs. Harper, and the other to Emily. For my lovely lass, he grinned, planting a kiss on her cheek. She beamed at the fresh roses.
Tom, youre spending a fortune on this, Mrs. Harper remarked.
Dont worry. Sam and Jack are off on a shortterm job, and theyve asked me to come along. Im heading to a highvoltage line projectgood pay, you know. Ill save up for the wedding and a car, Tom replied.
I dont want you to go, Emily protested. Ill miss you.
Itll be only three or four months. Well keep in touch. Im keen on a proper wedding, and you are too, right?
I do, though a modest ceremony would be fine. The important thing is us staying together, she said, a hint of sadness in her voice.
Tom had already set his plans in stone, so Emily couldnt dissuade him. He left with his mates, the pay indeed generous, and they chatted on the phone often.
One day in class Emily felt a vague unease that passed quickly. The night before, she and Tom had spoken, so she wasnt expecting a call. By evening her heart felt offkilter, and she dialed Tom herselfsomething he usually did. His phone was silent. Her pulse thudded painfully in her temples.
Why isnt Tom answering? she thought, redialing five times to nothing.
Desperate, she found Jacks number and called him, exhaling relief when he answered.
Jack, wheres Tom? she asked.
Jacks voice was flat. Hes gone.
What do you mean gone? Emily demanded, hearing only a series of beeps.
Mum
She burst into tears.
The next days unfolded like a nightmare. Emily later learned Tom had been electrocuted on that cursed power pole. Mrs. Harper, Toms mother, was a holloweyed shadow of grief, saying little as she waited for Toms father and younger brother, Harry, to return home. The funeral was a blur of darkness and relentless sorrow.
Emily sank into a numb stupor, visiting the Harpers often, usually sitting in silence. They even drove together to the cemetery, standing by Toms grave.
Mrs. Harper clung to Emily, urging her to spend more time with them during the summer holidays. They toured churches, shared endless cups of tea.
One day, why not go to the seaside together? the older woman suggested.
Emily agreed, though she hadnt wanted to. She thought, Whats the point? Toms not here, and his mother wont let me go. Her own mother had already advised her to slowly move on. Still, they booked a weeks stay by the coast.
At the beach, Mrs. Harper seemed a little brighter. Emily, unable to sleep, stared at her phone while Mrs. Harper dozed. Life bustled around them, yet Emily felt utterly alone.
She walked to the promenade, the sea merging with the sky. A tiny boat drifted far on the horizon. Seagulls shrieked, cars honked, children laughed, couples chattered. Life was in full swing; she was the lone island.
A male voice called out, What a lovely yet sad view you have.
Emily turned to see a young man. She wanted to snap back a snappy retort but stayed quiet. He reminded her oddly of Tom, though she couldnt pinpoint why.
Looks like the gods are being stingy with beauty today, she replied wistfully.
I disagree, he countered. Im Oliver, by the way.
Emily, she answered.
After a few exchanged lines, she spun away. Oliver watched her go. Hed been watching her for days, feeling sorry she spent most of her time with her mother.
Determined, Oliver decided to find out where Emily was from. He was smitten, though the melancholy that clung to her puzzled him. Hed been observing from the beach.
Two days remained before theyd have to leave. After a shop run, Emily bumped into Oliver again. He grabbed the grocery bag from her hands.
Let me help, if you dont mind, he said, instantly switching to a familiar you.
Help if you want, she replied.
Emily, I need a word. I have some serious questions, if youre up for it, he gestured toward a summer café beside the supermarket.
Im leaving in three days, Oliver said. When are you planning to stay?
No, were heading out tomorrow night. Tickets in hand, Emily answered.
Phew, I thought Oliver chuckled. Where do you live? she named their town; his eyes widened.
Did I hear right? I live there too! he exclaimed. Great, we wont get lost.
Oliver had graduated from the same university Emily attended and worked in a design bureau for the council. Never married, hed split from his girlfriend and fled to the coast to sort out his broken heart. Meeting Emily, he fell instantly.
She told him about her grief and Toms mother, and he was surprised.
Why are you staying with his mum? Usually, parents dont cling to a sons girlfriend after hes gone, he said.
I dont know, Oliver. I just dont want to hurt her, she admitted.
They swapped numbers and agreed to meet back in town. Emily was about to leave when Mrs. Harper, already frantic, called out.
Emily, where are you?
Just popped into the shop, then a walk. Whats up?
The constant presence of Mrs. Harper grew oppressive. Even her own mother warned her, Free yourself. Shes weighing you down. Yet Emilys kindness kept her from abandoning the older woman, especially after the seaside trip.
She realised she couldnt continue this way. She told Oliver shed soon return home and start a new chapter.
Mrs. Harper gave her a strange look, then said, So, a new life Right. You have your whole future ahead, and I suppose Im still your motherfigure. I thought you might be expecting you know, a baby with Tom. I still have my own son, perhaps you could?
Emily snapped, I dont need anyone, especially not Toms brother! Mrs. Harper wept for the first time since the funeral, and somehow felt a little lighter.
Emily finally decided: her new life would have no room for Mrs. Harpers clinginess.
Home, home, echoed in her ears. And perhaps it was a blessing that Oliver had entered her world; he opened her eyes to the whole mess.
The new academic year began. Emily and Oliver kept seeing each other, and one day she walked alone to Toms grave.
Goodbye, Tom, she whispered. I was so happy with you. Thanks for the joy. You left quickly, but I must go on. Im a different person now, with a different life without you. Farewell.
She left the cemetery gates, headed to the car where Oliver waited. With Oliver, she felt reborn. She met Mrs. Harper only occasionally, if at all. Soon she was married to Oliver and expecting a baby.
