Another Whole Year Together
All those years ago, Arthur Johnson had stopped going out alone. Not since the day he walked to the local surgery, and couldnt recall where he lived or even his own name.
Hed wandered off in completely the wrong direction, circling the neighbourhood for what felt like hours until something familiar caught his eyea grand, old building with tall brick chimneys. As it turned out, that was the clock factory where Arthur had worked nearly fifty years of his life.
He gazed at the factory, certain he knew it intimately, though the reason escaped him, and his own name seemed lost somewhere in shadow. He stood there, helpless, until someone approached quietly from behind, and clapped a hand on his shoulder.
Johnson! Uncle Arthur, what are you doing here? Missing the old place, are you? Just the other day we were reminiscingwhat a craftsman and mentor you were. Arthur Johnson, dont you recognise me? Its Jimmy AtwoodI owe it all to you, mate!
Something clicked in Arthurs mind. His head seemed to fill up again, and suddenly, blessed be, everything flooded back.
Jimmy grinned and gave his old mentor a hug. You recognise me now? I shaved my moustache, so I look a bit different. Tell you what, Arthur, fancy popping by for a cuppa? The lads would be glad to see you.
Perhaps another time, Jimmy, Im a bit worn out just now, Arthur admitted.
Ive got the car round the cornerlet me give you a lift, I still remember your address, Jimmy said cheerfully.
Jimmy drove Arthur home, and from that day, his wife, Mary Johnson, never let him out alone again, even though his memory had returned.
From then on, theyd only go out togetherto the park, the doctors, the shops.
Then one winter, Arthur caught a cold, fever and coughing fits. Though Mary herself wasnt feeling quite right, she hurried out alone for medicine and groceries. She bought only a few things, nothing extravagant, but weakness tugged at her, and her breath grew short. The bags felt impossibly heavy. She paused to catch her breath, then pressed on, dragging them through the cold, fresh snow.
She made it a short distance further, then stopped. She set the heavy bags down and suddenly sank gently to the icy path leading towards their home. Her last thought, oddly, was why shed bought so muchold age sometimes muddles the mind, doesnt it?
Luckily, some neighbours saw Mary lying in the snow, rushed over, and called an ambulance
Mary was taken to hospital in the ambulance, while the neighbours collected the groceries and medicine, then knocked at the Johnsons door.
Her husband Arthurs probably still inside, poor thing, I havent seen him out the last few days, mused Mrs. Nina Marshall from next door. Probably fast asleep. Mary said hes been unwell himself latelyold age isnt for the fainthearted. Ill try later
Arthur had heard the doorbell. But weakness and fever made it impossible to get up, and his head spun so wildly he almost fainted.
The coughing eventually subsided, and Arthur drifted into a strange half-sleep, somewhere between dreams and waking. Where was Mary? Why hadnt she come back?
He lay there, in limbo, for ages, until suddenly, he heard the softest footsteps. Then, with a gentle hush, Mary appeared by his bedside. Relief flooded himshed come home.
Arthur, give me your hand, lean on me, get up, get up, she urged, her hand icy and fragile in his grip.
Now, open the door, quickly, Mary whispered.
But why? Arthur puzzled, but did as she asked. And just like that, Mrs. Marshall and young Jimmy stepped into the flat.
Johnson, why havent you answered? Weve been calling and knocking.
Mary? Wheres Mary? She was just here Arthur asked, lips pale as snow, trying to understand where shed gone.
Well, shes in hospital, in intensive care, Mrs. Marshall replied, confused.
I think hes delirious, Jimmy said, just catching Arthur as he fainted
The neighbours called an ambulance; it was a faint brought on by fever.
Two weeks later, Mary was discharged from hospital.
Jimmy drove her home, and he and Mrs. Marshall had checked in on Arthur during those long days, helping him until his health started to return.
The most important thing wasthey were together again.
When Arthur and Mary finally found themselves alone, their eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
At least there are still kind people in the world, ArthurNinas a good woman. Do you remember how her kids used to run round after school, wed give them a bit of lunch, help with homework, and then shed come from work and fetch them home?
Yes, not everyone remembers kindness, but she kept her heart warm. That means a lot, Arthur agreed.
And Jimmy, toosuch a young lad when I started training him. Youngsters often forget us old folk, but he never left me.
Just a few days until New Years, Arthur. How lucky we are to be together again, Mary whispered, squeezing her husbands hand.
Mary, tell me honestly, how was it you came to me from hospital, made me open the door for our saviours? I nearly died here without you, Arthur ventured at last.
He feared she might think his mind was slipping again, but Mary only looked at him in wonder.
So it really happened then? They told me Id had clinical death, and in that moment, it seems I somehow came to youin a dream or half-sleep. I remember seeing myself in intensive care, then leaving the hospital and going to you
What miracles happen in our old age. And you know, I love you as much as ever, perhaps even more, Arthur whispered, taking her hands in his. Silently, they sat together, gazing at each other, as if afraid something might separate them again.
On the eve of New Years, Jimmy called in with treatshis wife had baked pies.
Then Mrs. Marshall popped by, and together they enjoyed tea and pies, surrounded by warmth and good cheer.
Arthur and Mary welcomed the New Year just the two of them.
I made a wish, Arthur. If we saw in the New Year together, it would be ours. Well have another year yet, Mary smiled to her husband.
They both laughedfull of hope and happiness.
One more whole year togetherthat is worth so much, its happiness itself.
