Shes a treasure, really. Whatever would we do without her?
And you only give her two grand a month.
Margaret, weve signed the flat over to her, havent we?
Arthur climbed out of bed and shuffled off to the next room. In the glow of the bedside lamp, blinking back sleep, he peered over at his wife.
He perched beside her, listening. All seems well.
He stood and ambled off to the kitchen. Opened the milk. Nipped into the loo. Then it was back to his own room.
He didnt sleep.
Ninety apiece, Margaret and I. How much have we seen, eh? Nearly time to meet our maker, and theres no one about.
Their daughters, well, Lizzie had gone before shed even hit sixty.
As for Henry, hed been gone for years. Chased his own tail Theres a granddaughter, Alice, living in France for nearly twenty years by now. Never a postcard, never a phone call. She must have grown children herself at this point
He drifted off without noticing.
He woke to a hand gently on his shoulder.
Arthur, everything alright? came the whisper.
He opened an eye. There was Margaret, hovering anxiously.
Whats all this, Margaret?
You were so still, I thought youd gone.
Im clinging on! Off to bed, go on!
Slippered footsteps shuffled off. The kitchen switch flicked as she poured herself water, popped to the loo, then headed for her room. She lay on the bed, fretting.
One morning Ill wake and hell be gone. What will I do then? Or perhaps itll be me first.
Arthurs even arranged our memorial teas already. Who wouldve guessed you could order that sort of thing in advance? But in a way, its a relief. Its not as though anyone else will do it.
Granddaughter’s forgotten us, neighbour Emma’s the only visitor nowadays. Shes even got keys to our place. Arthur gives her a thousand pounds a month from our pensions. She keeps us in tea and bread and whatever else we needwhere else would we spend our money? Not as though we can get down from the fourth floor by ourselves any longer.
Arthur blinked awake. The sun poked its head curiously through the window as he headed out to the balcony, taking in the lush green of the old horse-chestnut tree. A smile crept across his face.
Weve made it to summer, Margaret!
He popped in to see Margaret, who sat, deep in thought, in her bedroom.
Margie, chin up! Come here, I’ve something to show you.
Oh, Im all legs and elbows today, she protested, rising achingly. What are you plotting?
Just come on!
He shepherded her to the balcony.
Lookthe chestnuts green again! And you said we wouldnt see another summer. He poked her gently.
Oh, it is, isnt it? And the suns out too.
They plopped down on the bench, letting the warmth soak in.
Remember when I first asked you to the pictures? Back in school dayswe watched the trees turn green then too.
As if I could ever forget! How many years has it been?
Seventy and change Seventy-five, give or take.
They sat for ages, winding back the years. A lot gets lost in old agesometimes even yesterdays breakfastbut your youth sticks in the mind.
My word, weve nattered on! I havent made us any breakfast! Margaret stood up, suddenly flustered.
Make some proper tea, Margaret. Ive had enough of all that green stuff.
Were not meant to, you know.
Oh, go onmake it weak and just a spoonful of sugar.
Arthur sipped his delicately brewed tea, nibbling a thin sliver of cheese on toast, casting his mind back to the days when breakfast meant strong, sweet tea and a pile of jammy dodgers or crumpets.
Neighbour Emma swept in, gave them an approving look.
All dandy, you two?
What business would a couple of old fogeys like us have? Arthur grinned.
Well, if youre joking, you must be fine. Need anything from town?
Emma, get some meat, will you? Arthur asked hopefully.
Youre not really meant to have that
Chickens allowed.
Chicken it is! Ill make you a nice noodle soup.
Emma tidied the dishes and bustled off.
Come on, Margaret. Lets get some rays on the balcony, Arthur suggested.
Why not, dear?
Emma padded out after them.
You miss your sunshine, do you?
Its lovely out here, Emma, Margaret beamed.
Well, Ill fetch you some porridge for now, then get that soup started.
She really is a gem, Arthur watched her go. Where would we be without her?
And we only give her two grand a month.
Weve left her the flat, havent we?
She doesnt know that.
They lingered together on the balcony till lunch. Emma brought over soup: proper chicken with plenty of veg and the softest potatoes.
I always made it just like this for Lizzie and Henry when they were little, Margaret reminisced.
And now in our dotage its someone else who makes us lunch, Arthur sighed, a little too deeply.
Perhaps its simply our lot, Arthur. The two of us will go, and who’ll shed a tear?
Enough now, Margaret. Lets have a lovely nap, shall we?
You know, Arthur, theyre right when they say: Grown old, grown young.
Were just like toddlers: mush for lunch, nap after, and a treat at four.
Arthur dozed a bit, but found he couldnt really settle. Weather changing perhaps? He shuffled to the kitchen, found two glasses of juice, neatly set out by Emma.
He picked them up with unsteady hands and delivered one to Margaret, who was staring dreamily out the window.
Lost in thought, are you, Margaret? he asked, smiling. Drink your juice.
She took a careful sip.
Having trouble sleeping yourself?
It’s the weather.
Its not just that I dont feel right. Dont think Ive got much left in the tank, Margaret muttered, shaking her head. Promise youll see me off decently.
Oh, Margaret, dont start. How would I manage without you?
One of us will have to go first, Arthur. Simple as that.
Enough! Back to the balcony with you!
They sat out till evening. Emma brought cheese scones before prepping supper. Afterwards, they snacked and switched on the telly. Every evening, the same: they watched something before bed. Hardly ever followed new films these days, so it was always old comedies or cartoons for comfort.
Tonight it was just one old cartoon. Margaret rose, rubbing her eyes.
Im off up to bed. Bit done in.
Ill join you, said Arthur.
Let me just have a good long look at you! Margaret announced suddenly.
Why on earth for? he grumbled, blushing.
Just because.
They gazed at each other a long time, perhaps both remembering their young selves, with all their adventures still to come.
Come on, let me walk you to bed.
Margaret slipped her arm through Arthurs, and together they hobbled away.
He tucked her in, fussed with the covers, then went to his own room.
He felt an ache in his heart that simply wouldnt shift. Hours later, though he thought hed not slept at all, the clock insisted it was two in the morning. He walked to Margarets room.
She lay with her eyes wide open.
Margaret!
He took her hand.
Margaret, whats the matter? Mar-ga-ret!
Suddenly, Arthur himself couldnt catch his breath. He made his way to his room, fetched the documents hed prepared, set them on the table.
He returned, stood a long while, taking in her face. Then he laid himself beside her and closed his eyes.
He saw his Margaret again, young and radiant, just as shed looked seventy-five years ago, heading off towards a light in the distance. He rushed to her, caught her hand.
In the morning, Emma came in. There they were, side by sideboth faces stilled by identical, peaceful smiles.
At last, Emma phoned for an ambulance.
A doctor arrived, gave the pair a surprised, sad look. Both together. Must have been love.
And with that, they were taken away. Emma slumped on a chair near the table, only then noticing the will with her name on it.
She lowered her head into her hands and wept.
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