March 25
I couldnt help but sigh when I heard about the upcoming silver wedding. How illtimed this celebration is, I muttered, thinking it was absurd to pick a date for a jubilee and then decide to host it in a tiny Yorkshire village. The news had reached me in fragments, snippets of a disgruntled voice on the phone. It soon became clear that Zach, my husbands brother, was inviting us to his 25year anniversary the socalled silver wedding.
My cousin Ians phone rang obnoxiously loud, demanding an answer. It was his cousin from the countryside calling.
Hey, Tom, hows it going? All well on your end? What about Saturday? he chattered.
Fine, Ill let Lucy know. Of course well comewhere else would we be expected to go? Ian replied.
Lucy stepped into the sitting room, her expression sour. This anniversary is terribly inconvenient, she complained. Theyve found the time to celebrate, and theyve chosen the village as the venue.
I realised the invitation was really from Zachs brother, beckoning us to the silver wedding of his own marriage.
Ian and I had already been talking about separating. Lately the distance between us had grown into a yawning chasm, and two days ago we finally decided to call it quits. Lucy was reluctant to attend the silver wedding; she simply wasnt in the mood.
Maybe youll go alone, Ian, I suggested, after all youre his brother. Id love to catch up with Tina, thoughshes always been a good friend, and weve always visited each other.
But how do we show up at their celebration and announce were splitting up? I wondered aloud.
The bus from Manchester to the village took about four hours, and our ancient Ford had been idle in the garage for three months. We used to drive it to Zachs place in the village where Ian was born and raised. Now it was a rusted heap, and Lucy didnt know whether to pour money into repairs or simply buy a new car.
Ians thoughts drifted to his own worries: Lucy probably wont go. If I go alone, Ill have to tell Zach and Tina were separating. Do they even need to hear that on a day meant for celebration? It feels wrong to bring such news to a silver wedding.
When Lucy entered the room, I said, Zach called, shall we head out? We wont tell them about us. She nodded.
The bus pulled over and the driver announced, Everyone off, the bus wont go any further!
How can that be? Ian protested. The village is still five miles away!
The roads terrible, the rain just stopped, I cant risk the bus getting stuck. Look for a lift or walk, the driver replied firmly.
We disembarked, bags in hand, and faced a fivemile trek that was never part of our plan.
What now? Wait for a lift or walk? I asked Lucy.
We could wait until morning, but well have to walk, she replied.
We set off, Ian leading, Lucy trailing along the ditch. The lane was indeed rough, with deep puddles, but the verge let us pass. I noticed Lucys silence and wondered why she wasnt protesting. At home she would have exploded; out here she seemed to bottle everything, perhaps waiting for the right moment to let it out.
Halfway along, a stand of oak trees appeared, signalling the village was near. I expected Lucy to start quibbling, but she kept her pace, quiet as ever. I stopped, set my bag down, and asked, Tired?
A little, she said, pointing to a fallen log. Maybe we can rest on that.
We sat, looking around. The evening was still fresh, birds chirped, butterflies fluttered, trees rustled, crickets sang. Lucy recalled the day, nearly twenty years ago, when we first drove to Ians village for a wedding.
Everythings changed in twenty years, she mused. The woods have grown, the oaks are huge now.
Time flies, I replied. Do you remember how the cars tyre almost fell off that day? You were in a wedding dress, I was in a suit, we walked the ditch while Zach changed the wheel. We didnt wait long, but you did end up with a sore foot.
Yes, my foot, Lucy laughed. Good thing Zach fixed the car quickly. If wed still be walking, wed still be waiting.
After a brief rest we resumed our walk, each lost in thought. I remembered school hikes with the lads, while Lucy, ever a city girl, had never camped in the woods. Lucy, weary, thought about her own troubles: When our son returns from service, well finally be divorced. He wont like it, but what can we do? Its already decided.
The lane opened onto the village nestled in a valley. What a sight! Lucy exclaimed. Summer here is wonderfulbright colours, warm sun. I replied, Its always lovely, no matter the season. Shame about the car, though; wed be there already.
We pushed open the gate and entered the courtyard where Zach was already arranging tables. He rushed over, hugging us.
Did you walk all this way? he gasped. Wheres the car? Why didnt you call I could have met you. The road really is awful, but Id have taken the outer route.
We didnt know the bus would stop, I explained. At least we got fresh air and a bit of exercise.
Tina! she cried, embracing her sister Lucy, her joy unmistakable. Its great youre here; we havent seen each other in ages. Tomorrow we celebrate the silver wedding. Time has flown.
Zach and I chatted for a while, then after changing into more comfortable clothes we all sat down to dinner. The party lingered in the yard, laughter echoing long into the night. Later, Ian and I were shown a brandnew sofa in the little guest room.
Look, we just got this, Tina said, gesturing to the plush settee. Good night.
Lucy slipped off her coat and settled against the wall, leaving most of the sofa to Ian. He glanced at the empty space, then lay down at the edge.
Lucy, why are you tucked into the wall? Theres room for both of us, he said kindly. Your legs must be aching after the walk.
Theyre buzzing, she replied, a smile playing on her lips.
Ian lifted the blanket from her feet and began massaging her soles. There, thatll help, he murmured. She sighed, Itll pass, itll be better by morning.
The next day we helped set the tables in the garden, greeting guests. Conversation started soft, then grew louder as music filled the air. People sang, danced, and the village buzzed with joy.
I cant believe its been twentyfive years with Tina, Zach shouted to his brother, Weve had our fights, but we always make up. I love her, and shes the only one for me!
His wife whispered in his ear, Enough, Zach. He boomed, Everyone should know how wonderful my wife isshes the best in the world! The crowd cheered and clapped.
I watched Lucy, her eyes softening as she observed the happy couple. The thought of our own separation seemed absurd in the midst of such happiness. The air itself felt saturated with love, wrapping everyone in warmth.
A sudden thought crossed my mind: My Lucy isnt any less than Tina. Misunderstandings happenthats life. Why would we ever want to end what we have? I instinctively embraced her; she looked up, surprised, then met my gaze. In her eyes I saw the same tenderness, the same lingering affection.
Perhaps we both felt the happiness seeping through this celebration, a reminder that love can endure. Maybe were blessed too, Lucy whispered, smiling, and I planted a gentle kiss on her cheek.
The following day the village hosted a barbecue, long conversations, and Zach drove us back to the bus stop.
Back home, Ian turned to me, What shall we do with the car? Repair it, or buy a new one? Itll cost a lot either way.
Its up to you, I said. You know more about cars. Im not keen on taking the bus to Zachs again.
He nodded, Tomorrow morning well head to the motor market, have a look, see what we can afford. Well still be traveling together.
The talk of divorce faded; it seemed to dissolve on its own. Our son had returned, married, and everything settled into a quiet rhythm. Lucy and I continued life, content in our little world.
