In her twentieth year, Evelyn never imagined what lay ahead. She was studying at university, deeply in love with her sweetheart, James, and dreaming of their weddingconversations about it had already begun.
James was older than Evelyn. He had finished his military service when he attended the autumn ball at her school, where she was still in her final year. She would always remember the first time she saw him. Though they lived in the same towneven attended the same schoolhe had graduated before her.
*Who is that handsome man?* The thought flashed through Evelyns mind as she spotted James across the room.
He had walked in, scanning the hall for familiar faces when his gaze met hers. He smiled, and she fell for him instantly. How could she not? He was extraordinary, unlike any other lad she had ever met.
“Hello, Im James,” he said, stepping closer. “And you are?”
Flustered, her cheeks flushed pink.
“Care for a dance?” he asked, taking her hand.
“Evelyn,” she murmured as he guided her effortlessly, his arm firm around her waist.
She barely felt the floor beneath her, as though she were floating, attuned to every movement he made.
“You dance beautifully, Evelyn,” he said with a grin.
He stayed by her side all evening, and by the end, they had agreed he would walk her home. They wandered the streets, reluctant to part, though Evelyn knew she had to returnher mother would worry.
James never let life grow dull. After school, Evelyn enrolled at a local university while he worked. His boundless energy and cheerfulness lifted everyone around him, and he had many friends. Soon, Evelyn found herself joining him at gatherings, weddings, and celebrations.
Even in the depth of winter, he brought her roses. Every date felt like a celebrationwhether at a cosy café, picnicking in the countryside, or out with friends.
During her third year, he surprised her.
“Ive booked us a trip to the Lake District for the New Year,” he announced. “Ill teach you to skior rather, the instructors will. Youll love it.”
“Oh, James! Youre the best!” She threw her arms around him, laughing. “ButIm terrified of heights! Did you forget?”
That trip became unforgettable. She took to skiing with surprising ease, relishing every moment, and wished it would never end.
Then came Mothers Day. James arrived at her house with two bouquetsone for Evelyns mother, the other for her.
“Happy Mothers Day,” he said, handing the first bouquet over before turning to Evelyn. “And these are for you, my beauty.” He kissed her cheek, leaving her breathless at the sight of the exquisite roses.
“James, you shouldnt spend so much,” her mother chided.
“Its no trouble,” he replied. “Tom and Liam are heading up north for worktheyve asked me to join. Theyre laying high-voltage lines, and the pay is excellent. Ill save for our weddingand a car.”
Evelyns heart sank. “I dont want you to go,” she blurted.
“Just three or four months, love. Well call every day. I want to give you the wedding you deserve.”
“I dont need anything grandjust you,” she said softly.
But James had made up his mind. He left with his friends. The wages were good, and they spoke often.
Then, one day, Evelyn sat in class and was suddenly gripped by unease. The feeling passed, but by evening, her heart was restless. She called Jamesthough he always called first. There was no answer. She tried again and again, her pulse hammering in her temples.
*Why isnt he picking up?*
She dialled Liam instead.
“Liam, wheres James?”
His voice was hollow. “Hes gone, Evelyn.”
“Gone? What do you mean” The line went dead.
“Mum!” she screamed, collapsing into tears.
What followed was a nightmare. Later, she learned James had been electrocuted while working on one of the pylons. His mother, Margaret, withered by grief, could barely speak. She waited silently as Jamess father and younger brother, Robert, arranged to bring him home.
The funeral was a blur of darkness and despair. Evelyn moved through the days like a ghost, visiting Margaret, sitting in silence beside her, or visiting Jamess grave.
Margaret clung to her, urging her to stay closeespecially once summer arrived and Evelyn had no classes. They visited churches, drank tea, and one day, Margaret suggested, “Lets go to the seaside.”
Evelyn agreed, though she couldnt fathom why. James was gone, yet his mother refused to let her go. Even her own mother urged her to move on, but still, they wenta week by the sea.
Mornings were spent on the beach, afternoons in quiet rest. Margaret seemed to recover somewhat. Evelyn, unable to nap, scrolled through her phone until one afternoon, restless, she wandered to the shore alone.
Standing on the promenade, she gazed at the horizon where sea met sky, watching a distant ship, tiny against the vast blue. Gulls wheeled overhead, children laughed, life buzzed around heryet she felt utterly alone.
“Youre too beautiful to look so sad,” a voice said beside her.
She turned, ready to snapbut hesitated. There was something about this man that reminded her of James. Not in looks, but in presence.
“Beautiful people arent always blessed with happiness,” she murmured.
“I dont believe that,” he said. “Not for a second. My names Oliver.”
“Evelyn.”
They exchanged a few words before she turned sharply and left. Oliver watched her go. Hed noticed her days agoalways solemn, never smiling. Now, he was determined to learn more.
With two days left before departure, Margaret dozed post-lunch while Evelyn slipped out to the shops. On her way back, Oliver appeared, taking her bags.
“Let me help,” he offered.
She didnt refuse.
“Evelyn, lets talk,” he said, nodding to a nearby café.
She agreed, and there, he admitted, “I leave in three days. How much longer are you staying?”
“We go back tomorrow night.”
His eyes widened. “Youre from Manchester?”
She stared. “So are you?”
He grinned. “Then we wont lose each other.”
Oliver had graduated from her university and now worked at the city councils design office. Recently single, hed come alone to clear his headuntil he saw Evelyn.
She told him of James, of Margaretand he frowned.
“Why would his mother keep you close? Most parents distance themselves after…”
“I dont know. But I cant just abandon her.”
They exchanged numbers, promising to meet back home. When Evelyn returned, Margaret was agitated.
“Where were you?”
“Just shopping.”
But Evelyn was growing weary. The weight of grief, of being tethered to Jamess family while he was goneit was suffocating. Her own mother had warned her: *Let go. Why do you keep visiting her?*
That evening, as they packed, Evelyn broached the subject.
“When we get back, I think I need to start anew.”
Margarets gaze turned strange. “A new life Yes, of course. Youre young. But Id hoped You and James were together so long. I thought you might be carrying his child. And theres Roberthes a good lad”
Evelyn recoiled. “What? No! I dont want anyoneleast of all Jamess brother!” She burst into tearsthe first real release since the funeral.
In that moment, she understood. Margaret hadnt seen *her*only a link to James. The realisation was revolting.
*Home. I need to go home.*
And perhaps it was fate that shed met Oliver. He had opened her eyes.
The new term began. Evelyn saw Oliver often. One day, she visited Jamess grave alone.
“Goodbye, James,” she whispered. “You made me happy. But I have to live now. A different life without you.”
She walked to the gates, where Oliver waited by the car.
Her life *was* different now. With him, she had begun to breathe again. She rarely saw Margaretonly in passing. Before long, she married Oliver, and in time, they welcomed a son.
A new life, indeed.
