Isnt this anniversary completely illtimed? she says, shaking her head. They find a moment to celebrate, and they pick a village for it. Lucy hears fragments of a disgruntled mans remarks. She realises that her husbands brother has invited them to a twentyfifthyear celebration of his marriage a silver wedding.
Ians phone rings loudly and insistently until he finally answers. Its his cousin Tom calling from the village.
Hey, Zach, hi! Ian says. Everythings fine here. How are you lot? Good, good. What about Saturday?
Great, Ill tell Lucy! Of course well come where else would we go? Tom replies.
Lucy steps into the sitting room.
Isnt this anniversary completely illtimed? she repeats. They find a moment to celebrate, and they pick a village for it.
Lucy catches more of the dissatisfied mans snippets. She works out that the brother has asked them to a silver wedding.
Meanwhile Ian and Lucy have been planning to separate. Lately theyve been drifting apart, arguing more than before, and two days ago they finally decided to part. Lucy doesnt feel like attending the silver wedding shes simply not in the mood.
Maybe youll go on your own, Ian, since youre his brotherinlaw, she says, Id love to see Tess, though. Weve always been friendly and visited each others homes.
How can we drive up to the village, announce our split, and still be polite? she wonders. The bus from the city to the village takes about four hours, and their old car has been sitting in the garage for three months.
They used to drive that car to Zachs place in the countryside, where Ian grew up. Now the car wont start, and Lucy cant decide whether to pour money into repairs or buy a new one. Their impending divorce has turned every plan upside down.
Ian thinks to himself:
Its unlikely Lucy will go; shell probably bail. If I go alone then Ill have to tell Zach and Tess were splitting. Theyll ask a million questions. Do we really need to drop that news on their wedding day? Its a celebration, not a funeral.
Seeing Lucy enter the room, Ian suggests:
Zach called shall we head over? We wont bring up our relationship. Well just go and deal with the divorce later.
Lucy nods.
Alright, its their big day, lets get there.
The bus stops and the driver announces, Everyone off, the bus wont go any further.
What do you mean it wont go? Ian protests. The village is still five miles away!
The roads terrible, the rain just stopped and I cant drive any further. If I stay stuck, wholl pull me out? Find a lift or walk, the driver says firmly.
Ian and Lucy step off, Ian holding a bag. Walking five miles wasnt on their agenda.
What now wait for a lift or walk? Ian asks his wife.
We could wait till morning, but well have to walk, Lucy replies.
Cursing the driver, Ian leads, Lucy following along the roadside. The lane is muddy, with big puddles, but the verge is passable.
Its odd how Lucy is so quiet, not even angry, Ian thinks. At home shed be fuming, but out here she just bottles it up. Maybe shell let it out midway.
They reach the middle of the path, a stand of oak trees ahead, and the village just beyond. Ian expects Lucy to start arguing, but she keeps pace in silence.
They stop, Ian sets his bag down and asks, Tired?
A bit, Lucy admits, pointing to a fallen log. Maybe we can rest on that stump.
They sit, look around. The sky is still bright, evening is drawing near, birds are singing, butterflies flutter, trees rustle, crickets chirp.
Lucy remembers driving to Ians family farm nearly twenty years ago, when tables were already set and guests waited for the newlyweds.
How much has everything changed in twenty years, she says. The woods have grown, the oaks are towering.
Time flies, Ian replies. Remember that day when the cars wheel almost fell off? You were in a wedding dress on heels, I was in my suit, we walked the verge while Zach changed the tyre. We didnt wait long, but you ended up with a sore foot.
Yeah, I recall that, Lucy laughs. Good thing Zach fixed the car quickly. Back then wed have waited instead of walking.
After a short rest they set off again, each lost in thought. Ian recalls school hiking trips with his mates, something Lucy never did shes a city girl who never camped out.
Lucy, weary, thinks of her own worries: While our son is serving, well separate. He wont be happy, but what can we do? Its already decided.
The path leaves the woods, and the village spreads out in the valley.
What a sight! Summer here is gorgeous bright colours, warm sun, Lucy exclaims.
Its always lovely here, in summer, spring, autumn, even winter. Weve come at different times. Shame about the broken car wed be there by now, Ian answers.
They push open the gate, step onto the yard and see Zach already arranging tables. He rushes over, embraces them.
Youre on foot? he jokes. Wheres the car? Why didnt you call? I could have met you. The roads awful, but Id have taken the outer route.
We didnt know the bus wouldnt go any further, so we had to walk. At least we got fresh air and a nice view, Ian says.
Tess! Zachs wife exclaims, hugging Lucy tightly. Its wonderful youve come its been ages. Tomorrow we celebrate the silver wedding. Time has flown.
Zach and Ian chat for a while, then everyone changes into dinner clothes and sits down to eat. After a long evening of conversation and laughter, they retire to the rooms. Ian and Lucy are shown a small bedroom with a brandnew sofa.
Look, we just got this sofa, Tess says, gesturing to the freshly covered settee. Good night.
Lucy strips down to her nightclothes and curls up against the wall, leaving most of the sofa for Ian. He lies down at the opposite end.
Lucy, why are you hugging the wall? Theres room for both of us. Your legs must be sore after the walk, he says.
Its not the legs, Lucy replies.
Ian pulls the blanket off her feet and starts massaging her feet.
Fine, leave it, Ian. Itll pass by morning, she says.
Just shut up, Ill work this out and youll feel better soon, he mutters.
The next day Ian and Lucy help set up the tables in the courtyard, greeting guests. The chatter starts low, then grows louder. Music starts, songs are sung, people dance, and the village erupts in merriment. Everyone knows each other, laughter fills the air.
Imagine, Ian, Zach shouts to his brother, weve been with Tess for twentyfive years. Weve had everything, a few spats, but we always make up. We cant stay angry long; shes wonderful! He continues, Quarter of a century, can you believe it? I love my Tess and Ill never give her up.
Zach leans in, whispering to his wife, Enough, love
Im proud of my wife, the best in the world! Zach proclaims, and the crowd claps.
Ian watches Lucy, both observing the happy couple. How could they announce their split in the middle of such a celebration?
Lucy feels the happiness around her, a warm glow that envelopes the guests. Ian looks at her with fresh eyes and thinks, My Lucy is no less than Tess. Misunderstandings happen; thats life. Why are we even thinking of a divorce? I dont want to lose her.
He pulls Lucy into a gentle hug. She meets his gaze, sees warmth, love, and something else. She recognises the same feeling in him.
Perhaps both have found a spark of joy at Zach and Tesss party.
Maybe happiness has caught us too, Lucy muses, smiling, as Zach kisses her cheek.
The next day the village enjoys a barbecue, long conversations, and Ian stays close to Lucy, eyes tracking her whenever she moves.
Later Zach gives them a lift back on the bus.
At home, Ian, as if nothing had happened, asks, Lucy, what should we do about the car? Should we repair it itll cost a lot or buy a new one? Sell this one and add the cash? I dont feel like taking the bus to Zachs again.
You decide. If we need a new one, lets get it. You know your engines better, Lucy replies.
Then tomorrow morning well head to the motor market, look around, and see what we can find. Well still need a car for both of us, Ian says.
The talk of divorce fades, as if it never existed. Their son has returned, married, and Ian and Lucy remain as happy as ever.
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