Kevin pulled up his company car in front of his townhouse, the driver stepping out as he eased the vehicle to a stop. Exhausted from the drive, Kevin lingered a moment, gathered his briefcase, thanked the driver and sighed, The welcome ceremony is about to begin.
His wife, Katherine, emerged in a flowing, brightlypatterned summer dress that matched the late July blossoms. She always chose outfits that reflected the month, and todays dress sang in perfect harmony with the blooming season.
She brushed a cascade of silklike hair off her shoulders, quickened her pace, and flashed Kevin a gracious smile.
Kevin, weve been waiting so long you wont believe it, Ive found an amazing landscape designer. Everyones lining up for him, but Ive managed to get a slot for us, she announced.
Charles, the senior partner at the firm, had wanted to ask, How much? but remembered the unwritten rule of the welcome ceremony: a kiss first. He leaned in and pressed his lips to hers.
Katie, you look radiant, he murmured, slipping his arm around her slender waist, and, honestly, Ive missed you.
Ive missed you too, Katherine cooed, reaching for him and momentarily forgetting the designer.
Is Natalie home? Kevin asked, glancing at the doorway.
Shes at her friends next door, you know the Dobson familys daughter, Katherine replied.
So its just us then Kevin admitted hed missed her, his longing prompting him to dash to the shower before whisking his wife to the bedroom.
Katie, I also discovered a boutique. I bought you somethingan incredible dress youll love, she said, eyes sparkling.
Do we need the dress? Kevin teased, pulling her close. You could even go without it; I love you just as you are.
***
Katie, Ive tried so hard, and you wont even look at my new wardrobe, he complained.
Later, Ill have a look, Kevin responded, pulling on a shirt. I hope we can find something to eat without having to go out to a restaurant.
Of course, weve been waiting for you. Mrs. Anne has cooked everything, he added, referring to their housekeeper.
Anne the housekeeper, always keeping the house in order, he muttered.
And what about me? Im the one bringing in the right people to improve our estate, making it better than the Dobsons. Isnt it my credit for the new furniture?
Our old furniture hasnt even had a chance to age, Charles observed.
What about the curtains? Katherine continued, gesturing to the drapes. Notice the colour pairing.
Katie, I value all of this, and I never hold back financially, he began, meaning to assure her that he covered all her whims, but stayed silent to avoid hurting her feelings.
Kevin, I have a salon appointment! she exclaimed, her face a mix of excitement and anxiety.
Why the rush? he asked.
You dont understand, its a topclass salon. I booked a month agocant be late. Dont worry, darling, Natalie will be here soon. She asked to come with me.
Where does she go?
To the salon.
Isnt it early for her?
Let the girl get used to beauty, learn to take care of herself.
Itll grow up, and the boys will court her, Charles grumbled.
Yes, but you have to be at the very top of your game, Katherine replied, turning sharply as her light hair fluttered.
Charles ate alone while the afternoon wore on. Soon, Natalie burst into the room, clinging to his leg.
Dad! she cried, the welcome ceremony continuing. Wheres Mum?
Didnt she tell you about the salon?
Ohshes gone! I asked her to take memy nails need fixing.
Natalie, your nails are perfect, Kevin praised.
Dad, youre joking. Thats not a fashionable shade, she retorted.
I bet you painted them three days ago, but now a new trend has swooped in and youve switched colours, he replied.
Dad, seriously
Natalie, I read this book today
And when do you have time? You work all the time
In the car, in breaks actually, maybe you should read something too.
Sure, I read every day, different things
I get itfashion, makeup, the usual fluff
Dad, Im just a girl
A girl, a girl alright, come here, he smacked her forehead gently. I still love you.
That evening Katherine returned, spinning in place, showing off her new look. What do you think?
Charles tried to gauge the change, answering safely, Stunning! Youre enchanting.
By nightfall Kevin was weary, despite having been home only a day.
Katie, I forgot to tell youMarilyn called, worried about you.
Oh, Auntie Ill ring her tomorrow.
Will you go to see her?
Why go? Well all go together.
Youre joking? Whats there to do in that village?
Its not a village, its a small market town. Four hours by car.
I see no difference.
Its a shame, Kevin murmured, drifting off. Its a shame, he added, Ill have to travel alone.
Charles rarely enjoyed long visits, nor did he linger at home; his job kept him on the road. Yet visiting Aunt Marilyn felt rightshe was almost a second mother, a decade older.
He drove his own car to the countryside, rolled down the windows, and let the headwind lift his spirits.
Auntie Marilyn, you made it? the seventyyearold asked, her warm smile and simple talk inviting conversation. No ceremony needed here.
Marilyn, Im sorry I havent visited in a year. You know my schedule, he replied.
You little wanderer, she teased, ruffling his hair, her stature a head shorter than his.
Sit down, Kevin, Ill feed you, she said.
He felt like a child again, being fed by his aunt just as his mother once had. The table filled with modest, homecooked fare.
Kevin, Im not as skilled as you folk in the city. You must eat out at restaurants, right?
Katie and Natalie love restaurants, but I prefer home meals. I dont enjoy being a food critic. By the way, Ill bring you some biscuits I bought for you, he offered.
No need, I have everything, she replied.
Forgive me, Auntie, but youre the kind of person I love to pamper.
Marilyn settled opposite him, propping her chin on her hand, watching her nephew with pride. Hed studied hard, built his career, and was responsible.
Kevin, look at you, she sighed, always travelling. How long can you keep circling the country?
I mostly work up in the North.
It must be cold up there.
He laughed. Its hot now.
So you hardly ever stay at home come and go, she noted.
After a hearty meal, Kevin took Marilyns small, chubby hand, kissed it gently, and said, Thank you, Auntie Marilyn.
He always called her Marilyn affectionately, a nickname no one else used.
Kevin, would you like some blackcurrant cordial? she asked.
Of course, yours is like fresh water, it washes fatigue away.
Im still worried, she sighed, youre a family man but youre rarely home that must be hard.
Kevin savoured the drink. Hard? No, its easy. The farther I am from my wife, the lighter I feel.
Marilyn shivered. What are you saying, Kevin? Why stay away?
He reassured her, Dont be alarmed, Auntiethis cordial is unlike any Ive tasted.
Its made from my own gardens red currants why do you keep your distance?
If I were closer, Id have smothered her, he said with a grin.
Who? she asked, startled.
From sunrise to midnight, its the same talk: salons, boutiques, colours, masters, makeup what Maria wore, what Alina chose, what the Dobsons will say every day the same. So I prefer distance. I arrive, spend a night, give the money, and leave again. Thats all I need. I work, I earn, Im satisfied.
And Natalie?
Just a copy of Katie. Same interests. Three years ago I gave her a home library I chose the books, checked the reviews they sit unread. I prefer paper, though digital is handy on the road. Tried to interest Katie and Nataliepointless. They spend hours on their phones hunting new nail techs and gossiping.
Katie, I didnt know, Marilyn said, surprised, Im always for family, but
No, no, Kevin waved it off, I wont change a thing. I chose my wife. I wanted beautygot it. And the best part is I love her. Yes, I endure the fuss over décor, guests, salons, but I love her.
And Natalie?
Shell be fine. As beautiful as her mother, shell learn to present herself well, marry a good mansomeone like meand live in the chocolate.
So youll be off again soon?
This time only a month, two weeks at most. But thats enough rest.
You work all the time.
Yes, dear Aunt Marilyn, my work feels like a holiday.
That evening Kevin prepared to head home. He hugged his aunt, slipped a few pounds onto the table, and left a jar of blackcurrant jam as a parting gift, kissed her cheek, and drove off.
Marilyn was the only person Kevin ever confessed that he loved his travelling life, and that everything in it suited himjust as it did with his wife Katie. He walked away convinced that sometimes, the best way to appreciate what you have is to step back and see it from a distance. The real lesson: distance can bring clarity, but love keeps you grounded.
