Evelyn Harper stared at herself in the mirror, feeling a pang of melancholy. Well, Im definitely no spring chicken, she sighed, tugging at the loose curlers her daughter had put in that morning. At sixtysix, the cheeks had sagged, a double chin had settled in, and the wrinkles seemed to multiply. It wasnt exactly a walk in the park, especially after the life shed led.
Today was a big day in their little village of Hemsley the 50th anniversary of the opening of the local secondary school, where Evelyn had been among the first graduating class. The school was being spruced up for the celebration, and a few officials from Manchester were due to arrive. Folks from the village were gathering, and some former classmates had promised to come back, though many had long since passed on.
A bark echoed from the garden. Buster, the family terrier, was yapping at the gate. Evelyn peeked out the window and saw a woman standing there, a familiar silhouette. She slipped on her old coat and went to meet her. At first she didnt recognize her, but when the woman spoke, the memory clicked it was her school friend, Molly Clarke.
Got the invitation and thought Id pop back home for a bit, Molly said, eyes soft. Might be the last time I can afford to. Ive got nowhere to stay. My family well, theyre all gone now. Can I crash with you?
Of course, Evelyn replied, and they hugged, a few tears slipping out not sure if from joy or the weight of the years.
You look wonderful, Evelyn said, admiring her guest.
Molly laughed. Ive been living in the city, married to a decent man, a senior at the council. I had to keep up appearances. If I lived here, Id be just like you! Sorry if I sounded braggy.
Evelyn waved it off. No offense taken. I can see the difference you look about fifteen years younger, even though were the same age, she murmured.
That evening, the ladies in their finery headed to the school. Only eight people had actually made the trip from the city, and many struggled to put faces to names after so long. After the formal speeches, they took their seats, shared a drink, and toasted the reunion. Stories were swapped, laughter rose, and the night stretched on until just after midnight.
Molly stayed over at Evelyns place; sleep seemed a distant thought. They talked well into the early hours. Molly spoke of her city life: a good husband, a life that had been sweet until he passed away three years ago. Their only daughter lived in London, had finished university and married a childfree couple. Molly pronounced childfree with a hint of pride, and Evelyn, a little puzzled, explained it meant people who deliberately chose not to have kids.
Molly confessed it hurt a bit, but she didnt have many chances to visit her mother. Her job was demanding, and even the funeral of her father she couldnt attend. Her mother, though, helped her out with a bit of cash, which meant Molly could afford a spa break now and then, even though her own pension was tiny shed never built up enough years because her husband kept her from working.
Evelyn asked, How are you doing? I heard youre also a widow. They say your Nicholas drank heavily? What about the kids?
Molly sighed. It was the same back then, mate. The lads in the village all drank, especially after the local timber mill closed and there was no work. My husband was sober, a quiet sort, but when he got drunk he turned into a beast. Id often try to keep the peace, but it was a struggle. Id stay up in my nightdress, waiting for a drunken night to end. I tried to make a bit of money by raising piglets I had two sows, sold the piglets when they were big enough. My husbands health fell apart after years of drinking, and by the time he quit, it was too late. The whole system was poisoned.
She went on about her daughter, Lily, whod finished college and now taught at a primary school. Her soninlaw, the headmaster, had even become a local councillor, fighting off plans to cut the school back to just nine year groups. Her twin boys served together in the army and now work on an offshore oil platform, earning well. She had six grandchildren, two each, and they all loved having a bustling family. Who wants a life without kids? she laughed. The lads only have a drink or two on special occasions now, thanks to their dads example.
The next morning Evelyn walked Molly to the bus stop, handing her a parcel of smoked bacon and a jar of raspberry jam. Even though the English countryside was chilly, Evelyn felt a pang of envy at how effortlessly Molly seemed to glide in her sleek puffer coat, chic fur hat, and lowheeled boots, lips painted a bold shade. Evelyn, in her old coat that had long gone out of fashion, sturdy sheepskin boots and a fluffy shawl, looked the part of a true village matriarch.
The bus pulled up, they gave each other a tight hug, promised to keep in touch, and Molly hopped on with ease. Evelyn shuffled back home, her steps heavy but her heart a little lighter.
P.S. Both started out with similar beginnings, but life took them on very different paths. Was it luck, chance, or some hidden force steering womens destinies? Hard to say. Maybe well never know whos truly happier.
