Isnt it rather illtimed, their anniversary, Lucy remarked, to pick a day for celebration and then have it in a village? Fragments of a dissatisfied mans voice reached her ears. She realized that her husbands brother had invited them to a silver wedding the twentyfifth anniversary of a marriage.
Ians phone rang sharply, demanding an answer. It was his cousin from the countryside.
Hello, Zach, hello! Ian said. Everythings fine here. How are you all doing? Great. And what about Saturday?
Good, Ill tell Lucy! Of course well come where else would we be expected?
Lucy entered the room.
Isnt it rather illtimed, their anniversary, she repeated, to pick a day for celebration and then have it in a village. The angry mans words filtered into the room, and Lucy understood that the brother had asked them to attend a silver wedding.
Ian and Lucy, who had already decided to separate, had been drifting apart for some time. Their arguments had multiplied, a growing distance settling between them. Just two days earlier they had resolved to part ways. Lucy had no desire to attend the silver wedding she simply wasnt in the mood.
Maybe you should go alone, Ian, after all youre his brotherinlaw. Id love to see Tessa, she said, referring to Zachs wife. Weve always been friendly and visited each others homes.
But how do we show up at their celebration and announce our split?
A bus from the city to the village took four hours, and their old car had been idle in the garage for three months. In the past they had driven that car to Zachs farm, where Ian was born and raised. Now the vehicle was dead, and Lucy didnt know whether to spend money on repairs or buy a new one. The looming divorce had turned their plans upside down.
Ian thought to himself:
Its unlikely Lucy will go; shell probably refuse. If I go alone then Ill have to tell Zach and Tessa that were separating. Theyll be shocked, asking questions. Do they even need to hear that on their special day? It would be a disaster to bring my breakup to a silver wedding.
Seeing Lucy enter, Ian said, Zach called shall we drive over? We wont talk about our relationship. Lets just get there and deal with the divorce later.
Lucy nodded. Alright, its their celebration, lets go.
The bus halted, and the driver announced, Everyone out, the bus wont go any further.
What do you mean it wont go? Ian protested. The village is still five miles away!
The road is terrible, the rain just stopped, I cant get through. Ill be stuck; who will pull me out? Find a lift or walk, the driver said firmly.
Ian and Lucy disembarked, Ian holding his bag. Walking five miles was not part of their plan.
What now, wait for a lift or go on foot? Ian asked his wife.
We could wait for a lift until morning, but well have to walk, Lucy replied.
Cursing the driver, they set off, Ian leading while Lucy followed along the roadside. The route was indeed rough, with deep puddles, but the verge was passable.
Strange how Lucy stays silent, not even angry, Ian mused. At home shed be fuming, but here she just bottles everything up. Maybe shell burst out halfway.
Halfway through they reached an oak grove that led to the village. Ian expected Lucy to start arguing, but she kept pace in quiet.
Stopping, Ian set his bag down and asked, Tired?
Just a bit. Lets rest on that fallen log, Lucy suggested, pointing to a tree trunk.
They sat, looked around. The sky was still bright, evening approaching, birds sang, butterflies fluttered, trees rustled, crickets chirped.
Lucy remembered the drive nearly twenty years ago, when they first came to Ians village for a wedding. How everything has changed in twenty years the woods have grown, the oaks are taller and grander, she said.
Time flies, everything changes, Ian replied. Do you recall that day when the cars wheel almost came off? You were in a wedding dress, I was in a suit, we walked the roadside while Zach changed the tyre. We got impatient and kept walking. We didnt go far, but you did hurt your foot a little.
Yes, I remember my sore foot, Lucy laughed. Good thing Zach fixed the car quickly. If wed stayed, wed still be waiting now.
After a brief rest they continued. Both were lost in thoughts. Ian recalled school hikes with his mates, while Lucy, a city girl, had never camped in the woods.
Lucy, weary, thought, When our son is enlisted, well finally separate. He wont like it, but what can we do? Its already decided.
The road left the forest and revealed the village nestled in a valley.
What a sight! Summer here is beautiful bright colours, warm sun, Lucy exclaimed.
Yes, its lovely all year round. Weve arrived at different times. Its a shame the car broke down; wed be there by now, Ian answered.
They opened the gate, stepped onto the yard, and saw Zach already arranging tables. He rushed over, hugging them.
Did you walk all the way? he asked, surprised. Wheres the car? Why didnt you call? I could have met you. The road is awful, but Id have taken the back road.
We didnt know the bus wouldnt go on, so we had to walk. At least we got fresh air and saw the scenery, Ian replied.
Lucy! Tessa exclaimed, embracing her friend with genuine joy. How wonderful youre here! Its been ages. Tomorrow is our silver wedding. Time has flown like a blink; we havent even had a moment to look back.
Zach and Ian chatted, then after changing, everyone sat down to dinner. They lingered in the yard, laughing and talking, before retiring to their rooms. Ian and Lucy were given a small bedroom with a brandnew sofa.
Look, we just bought this sofa, Tessa pointed out, smoothing the cushions. Good night.
Lucy stripped off her coat and settled against the wall, leaving most of the sofa for Ian. He glanced at the sofa, slipped onto the edge, and said, Lucy, why are you hugging the wall? Theres enough space for both of us. Your legs must be sore after that walk.
Its not the legs, its the feet, Lucy replied.
Ian pulled the blanket from her feet and began massaging her feet.
Alright, stop that, Ian. Itll pass, itll be better by morning, Lucy said.
Just a moment, Ill rub them and youll feel better, he murmured.
The next day Ian and Lucy helped set tables in the courtyard, greeting guests. Conversation started quietly, then grew louder. Music began, songs were sung, couples danced, and the village buzzed with merriment.
You know, Ian, weve spent twentyfive years with Tessa, had everything we wanted, but not a lot of good things. We argue, we get hurt, but we make up quickly. Shes kind to me, and I think everyone feels the same, Zach said, laughing with his brother. A quarter of a century, can you believe it? I love Tessa, Id give her the world, and I need no one else.
Zach, enough, his wife whispered in his ear. Stop boasting
Let everyone know how wonderful my wife is, the best in the world! Zach declared, and the guests clapped.
Ian watched Lucy, both observing the happy couple. How could they speak of a divorce at such a moment? The air was thick with happiness, wrapping everyone in its warmth.
Ian looked at Lucy with fresh eyes, and a thought struck him:
My Lucy is no less than Tessa. Misunderstandings happen thats life. Why should we end things now? No, I dont want to lose my wife!
He pulled Lucy close; she stared back, surprised. In his eyes she saw warmth, love, and something else. She felt it too.
Perhaps the joy of Zach and Tessas celebration had touched them both. Happiness has settled over us, Lucy thought, smiling at Ian, who kissed her cheek.
The following day the barbecue continued, long conversations, and Ian never let Lucy out of his sight; whenever she moved, his eyes followed.
Later Zach drove them back by bus.
Back home, Ian asked, Lucy, what shall we do with the car? Repair it, which costs a lot, or buy a new one? Sell this one and add the money? Id rather not take the bus to Zachs again.
You decide. If we need a new one, lets get it. You know more about cars, Lucy replied.
Then tomorrow morning well go to the motor market, have a look, and perhaps buy something together, Ian said.
The talk of divorce faded, as if it had dissolved on its own. Their son had returned, married, and life settled into a quiet happiness.
In the end, they learned that even when plans crumble and relationships strain, the unexpected journeys and shared moments can remind us what truly matters. Love, patience, and the willingness to walk a little further together turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones.
