13May
I cant help feeling that their anniversary is terribly illtimed, Lily thought, sighing. Theyve found a moment to celebrate, and of all places, in a little Kentish village. Fragments of a disgruntled mans remarks drifted to her, and she realised it was Zachs brother who had invited them to a twentyfiveyear jointlife celebration a silver wedding, as they say.
Ians phone blared insistently until he finally answered. It was his cousin, calling from the country.
Hey, Zach, hows it going? Ian said. Alls well here and you?
Fine, Ill tell Lily. Of course well come, where else would we be expected to go? his cousin replied.
Lily stepped into the sitting room.
This anniversary feels so out of place, she murmured. They pick a time to celebrate, and its in a village, of all places.
She caught snippets of a dissatisfied mans voice. It clicked Zachs brother had asked them to his silver wedding.
Ian and Lily had, until recently, been planning to separate. The distance between them had grown, arguments multiplying, a coldness settling in. Just two days earlier theyd decided to part ways. Lily didnt feel up to attending the silver wedding she wasnt in the mood at all.
Maybe youll go on your own, Ian? After all youre his brother. Id really like to see Tara, though, she said, thinking of Zachs wife. Weve always been close, visiting each others homes
How could we show up at their celebration and announce were splitting up? she wondered. The bus from London to the village took four hours, and their old car had been idle in the garage for three months. They used to drive that car to Zachs place in the village where Ian was born and raised.
Now the car was dead. Lily didnt know whether to pour money into repairs or buy a new one. Their looming divorce had upended every plan.
Ians own thoughts ran in circles:
Lily probably wont go; shell refuse. If I go alone then Ill have to tell Zach and Tara were separating. Theyll be shocked, theyll ask questions. Do they even need that news on a day thats theirs? Their silver wedding, and here I am with my own breakup. It feels wrong
Seeing Lily enter the room, Ian said, Zach called shall we drive over? We wont talk about our relationship. We can sort the divorce later.
Lily nodded. Fine, theyre celebrating, so lets go anyway.
The coach pulled into the village stop, and the driver announced, Everyone off, the bus wont go any further.
What? It wont go? Ian snapped. Were still five miles from the village!
The roads a mess, the rain just stopped, I cant get the bus through. Ill be stranded wholl pull me out? Find a lift or walk, the driver replied firmly.
Ian and Lily disembarked, a duffel bag in his hand. A fivemile walk was not on their agenda.
What now? Wait for a lift or go on foot? Ian asked his wife.
Waiting for a lift could take all night. Well have to walk, Lily answered.
Cursing the driver, Ian led, Lily following along the verge. The lane was indeed poor, puddles blooming in the centre, but the footpath was passable.
Its odd how Lily stays silent, not even angry, Ian thought. At home shed be shouting. Here shes collecting her frustration, waiting until it erupts maybe shell say it midway.
Halfway through they reached a stand of oak trees; beyond it the village lay just a short distance away. Ian waited for Lily to snap, but she kept her pace and her quiet.
He set his bag down and asked, Tired?
A little maybe we can rest on that fallen log, Lily pointed to a trunk.
They sat, taking in the scenery. The evening was still young, birds sang, butterflies fluttered, trees rustled, crickets chirped.
Lily recalled the trip twenty years ago to Ians village for a wedding feast, the tables already set, guests waiting.
How much has changed in twenty years, she mused. The woods have grown, the oaks are taller and grander.
Its true, time flies, Ian replied. Remember that day when the cars wheel almost fell off? You were in your wedding dress, I was in my suit and polished shoes, we walked the verge while Zach changed the tyre. We didnt wait, we set off on foot. We didnt walk far, but you did sprain your foot a bit.
Ah, yes, my foot, Lily laughed. Good thing Zach fixed the car quickly. Back then wed have just stood there and waited.
After a brief rest they rose and continued. Both walked in silence, each lost in thought. Ian remembered school hikes with the boys, while Lily, a city girl, had never camped out overnight.
Lily, weary, thought to herself, When our son finishes his service, well separate. He wont like it, but what can we do? Its already decided.
The lane opened onto the village, low in a valley.
What a sight! Summer here is gorgeous bright colours, warm sun, Lily said.
Its always beautiful, in summer, spring, autumn, even winter. Weve visited at different times. Shame the car broke down; wed be there by now, Ian replied.
They pushed open the gate, entered the courtyard, and saw Zach already arranging tables. He rushed over, embracing them.
You walked here on foot? he exclaimed. Wheres the car? Why didnt you call? I could have met you. The roads terrible, but Id have taken the outer route.
We didnt know the bus wouldnt go on, so we had to trek. At least we got fresh air and the scenery, Lily replied.
Tilly! Zachs wife shouted, hugging her husband tightly, her joy unmistakable. Its wonderful youre here; its been ages. Tomorrow is the anniversary, the silver wedding. Time has flown in a blink.
Zach and Ian chatted, then, after a quick change, everyone sat down to dinner. They lingered in the courtyard, laughing and talking, then retired to their rooms. Ian and Lily were given a small bedroom with a brandnew sofa.
Look, we just bought it, Tara said, pointing to the freshly upholstered set. Good night.
Lily stripped down and curled up against the wall, letting most of the sofa to Ian. He glanced at the couch, slipped into the edge, and said, Lily, why are you tucked up against the wall? Theres room for both of us. Your legs must be aching after that walk.
Theyre buzzing, not aching, Lily replied.
Ian tugged the blanket from her feet and began massaging her soles.
Fine, let it be, Ian. Itll pass by morning, she said.
Shh, Ill work on them now, youll feel better soon, he murmured.
The next day they helped set tables outside, greeting guests. Conversation started soft, then grew louder. Music began, songs were sung, dancing erupted the village revelry in full swing.
Imagine, Ian, twentyfive years with Tara, everythings been good, even when we fight, we make up quickly. Shes kind to me, Zach boasted to his brother. A quarter of a century! I love Tara, no one else matters.
Zach, thats enough, Lily whispered in his ear. Honestly
Let everyone know how wonderful my wife is, the best in the world! Zach shouted, and the crowd clapped.
Ian watched Lily, both taking in the happy couple. How could they possibly announce their own split at a moment like this?
Lily felt the air saturated with joy, wrapping around the guests and their souls.
Ian looked at his wife with new eyes and thought, My Lily isnt any worse than Tara. Misunderstandings happen thats life. Why would we decide to split now? No, I dont want to lose her.
He pulled Lily close; she met his gaze, surprised. In his eyes she saw warmth, love, and something else. She recognised the same feelings within herself.
Perhaps they both felt the happiness radiating from Zach and Taras celebration.
Happiness has embraced us too, Lily thought, smiling at Ian, who brushed a kiss to her cheek.
The following day there were barbecues, long chats, and Ian never let Lily stray far. Whenever she moved, his eyes followed.
Later Zach gave them a lift back by bus.
Back home, Ian, as if nothing had happened, asked, Lily, what shall we do with the car? Repair it itll cost a fortune, or buy a new one? Sell it and add the money? Im tired of the bus rides to Zachs.
You decide. If we need a new one, lets get it. You know more about cars, Lily replied.
So tomorrow morning well hit the motor market, have a look, maybe buy something, since well be traveling together again, Ian said.
The talk of divorce faded, as if it had dissolved on its own. Their son returned, married, and Ian and Lily remained as content as ever.
