You were never really my husband, William…
An old woman sat by her husband’s bedside, gently wiping his burning brow with a damp cloth.
William, theres something Ive always wanted to confess, but never dared. I deceived you, William; youre not truly my husband!
The old man opened his eyes and gazed at her in surprise.
Dont interrupt me, she continued, in case we part ways forever and I never get the chance to repent. Do you recall when you first wandered into our village after the war? I was in shock, then suddenly threw my arms round you. You looked so much like my husband! I’d received a telegram saying hed died, but then you appeared, alive, and I thought theyd made a mistake and my husband had returned. I rushed to you, but quickly realised my blunder. I blushed, apologised, and let you sleep in the barn.
The next morning, you decided to fix the barn door, and a beam fell smack onto your head. I thought Id have to bury you too, but luckilythere you were, still breathing. I fetched the doctor, who said you were a sturdy fellow and only suffered slight memory loss. And thats when I decided to claim you as my husband. You were strong and handsome, and after the war, raising two children alone seemed impossible. I said you were my husband, and you believed me. My conscience tormented me for years, but we grew used to one another and fell in love, and I couldnt bear to change anything. Only now do I confess that I took it all upon myself. Perhaps your life would have turned out differently…
William listened quietly. Suddenly, he burst out laughing.
You silly old thing! Whyd I need another life? Ive loved you all my days. I truly did stumble into your village by chance, but when I saw you, I fell head over heels and simply didnt know how to approach you. So I thought Id help about the place, hoping youd take a liking to me and not send me packing. And then that bloody beam knocked me out cold. Came round and there was the doctor, and you tending to me. I actually asked him to pretend I had amnesia, so I could stay a bit longer in your house. And then you surprised me by claiming me as your husband. I was delighted; no need to invent anything!
You sly fox! The old woman smiled. Why didnt you say so sooner? We mightve had a laugh together.
I wanted to, but there was always so much to do. We were getting the older ones settled, then had three more with you, her husband grinned beneath his moustache. All these years we carried heavy secrets, but they were never secrets at all.
Well, at least its all sorted now. Otherwise, our stories would have the guardian angels roaring. Just promise me, William, dont die. Dont leave me here alone. I couldnt bear it without you.
Oh, dry your tears, he soothed. Everything will be fine. Stop fussing over me and go get some rest. Morning brings wisdom.
They both lay down, but she slept fitfully. Worries tossed in her silver-haired head, keeping rest at bay. She rose at dawn, before the sun. Her husbands bed was empty. Her heart tightened with fear. She peered out the windowthere he was, sitting on the porch, smoking his pipe. She sighed in relief. This time, the Grim Reaper passed them by, so it seemed theyd have a bit more time together, creaking on through life side-by-side.
