I levelled the garden. Made raised flowerbeds for Emily. Built her a gazebo at the bottom of the lawn. Even inside the house, you could see the touch of a strong male hand. No, Emily had chosen her husband well. Absolutely right. On top of that, Alan always found a way to earn money. He was always trying to surprise Emily with gifts.
You never really loved me, did you? You married me without love, and now youll leave when Im unwell
I wont leave! said Emily, hugging Alan. Youre the best husband a woman could wish for! Id never leave you
He struggled to believe it. Alan felt downhearted too
Emily had been married for twenty-five years, and all this time she continued to turn mens heads. Even in her youth, she was one of the most sought-after girls.
Well, not just in her youth! Even at school, nearly every boy had a crush on Emily, though she wasnt a conventional beauty.
She never left her husband, even though he was a rather complicated man.
Emily stayed with Philip until the very end. They raised their daughter, married her off. Her son-in-law took Kate off to live in Spain, and now they sent beautiful photos and kept inviting Emily to visit. She and Philip never managed to get out there Maybe Emily would go someday. But Philiphe was gone.
Emilys husband died in a car accident. Such a pointless way to go Later, Emily was told it was most likely that he suddenly became unwell at the wheel, lost control, and crashed. His heart must have failed him, and in the confusion, he couldnt control the car.
Maybe he fainted? she speculated.
Well, now well never know, sighed her friend, Sarah, who was a doctor. Official cause: multiple injuries, not compatible with life.
Emily was in absolute shock. Her friend Sarah helped to organise everything.
She found out all the details through her own connections. Philip was laid to rest, and Emily was left alone in this big house theyd built together over the years.
It didnt seem that big for a couple, especially with guests, but for just one person it suddenly became very large, and a burden.
A house needs a mans touch
Kate came to say her goodbyes to her father. She started talking to her mother about selling the house, buying a flat, even about Emily moving to Spain to live with them.
No chance! exclaimed Emily. I didnt spend my life building this home just to sell it now. And I dont want to live in Spain. Ive seen Spain
Mum!
Oh Katie, youre a bit naïve! Emily smiled through her tears. Im only joking.
Well, if youre still joking, it cant be all terrible.
Nothing in life is black and white. Just like the late Philip. On one hand, he had been a caring and loving husband.
On the other hand, he was a man of moods. When he was in a bad mood, he could drain every ounce of patience Emily had. Hed apologise afterwards, of course, but Emily was an easy-going person she didnt hold grudges. Thats how they lived. Twenty-five years! Enough to lose your mind
Kate stayed a while and went back to Spain her husband worked a lot, and she was keen to keep the home running. Emily was alone again.
But she knew herself too well it wouldnt last long.
And right enough, after half a year of grieving and wiping away tears, there was already a small group of suitors forming around her.
Even Emilys own mother used to be bewildered by her daughters popularity.
I just dont get it, love. Men fall at your feet in droves! And youre not exactly a beauty Or is there something Im not seeing?
Youre too kind, Mum, Emily would smile, putting on her lipstick. Beautys just surface noise. What really matters is to be charming, magnetic. You need a bit of a spark.
Off you go, girl, her mum would laugh. Or your fiancé will get tired of waiting and take off.
If he does, another one will come along, Emily would shrug.
And nearly thirty years had passed since that old conversation, but nothing had changed. While women always complain there arent any good blokes around after forty, Emily couldnt relate. At forty-six, shed attracted not one, but two good men.
Emilys heart leaned towards David. She liked his looks and his conversation. Pleasant, bright, well-spoken you could happily take him out to any event.
But Davids talents were really just talk. Emily had a soft spot for him, but with her age and experience, she understood: he wasnt the man for her house, her life.
The other one was Alan, a straightforward, sturdy bloke. The type who could drink a barrel at a party but who gets things done with quiet efficiency. Hands as skilled as gold, good-natured but with real backbone.
With his wife, hed be gentle as a lamb, but if needed, hed move mountains for her. Funnily enough, Emily felt less for Alan call it foolish female logic.
He never made flowery speeches. Sober, Alan was a man of few words. But after a pint or two, he could tell a funny tale, share a joke, and truly open up.
And Alan could certainly put away a drink, but the next morning hed be up at dawn, bracing himself with cold water, ready to get on with life. Quiet, capable, and dependable. Emily chose him.
David, miffed that his sweet words hadnt worked, turned and left.
Emily married Alan, and he was over the moon. At the wedding, he had a bit much to drink, sang songs, and danced his heart out.
Well, what are you like! laughed Sarah. Barely a year after Philips death and already tying the knot. Some women search for a man with a torch in broad daylight and cant find one, but the moment you step out of your door
Dont start with what do they all see in you? Youre not even a classic beauty! Emily grinned.
Oh, I wouldnt dream of it. But you have always attracted more than your fair share of attention. Thats for sure.
I dont know, Sarah, what it is. Ask my mum she didnt understand it either!
With a cheeky wink to her friend, Emily went off to dance with her new husband, whod come over and invited her to the floor. She danced, and her last doubts slipped away.
So what if Alan was plain and simple? He was strong, capable, and truth be told still rather handsome. And his quietness? Perhaps that was just what she needed.
And what if shed chosen David? Charming words dont cook your dinner.
Within a few months, Alan made Emilys garden into a delight. He cleared out old trees, levelled the ground. He built Emily flowerbeds and crafted a beautiful wooden gazebo. The house, too, showed his handiwork.
No doubt about it: Emily had chosen the right man.
And Alan brought in good money too, always eager to spoil Emily with gifts.
She thought about her short marriage to Alan and compared it to her twenty-five years with her first husband. Honestly, she regretted not meeting Alan sooner. What a gem he was!
In the warmer months, theyd cook on the barbecue in the evenings and dine in the gazebo where Alan had fixed a nice wooden table and benches.
Emily, stuffed with grilled kebabs, squinted contently like a pampered cat. Alan watched her and smiled.
Whats up, Alan?
Nothing. Im just happy.
His first wife had been a bore. Never did he think hed meet such a wonderful woman.
Their happiness together lasted four years. Then, one day, Alan started feeling off. He tired quickly, lost weight for no reason, and if he drank and he occasionally liked a pint or two hed really feel quite unwell.
Alan, youve got to see a doctor! Emily begged. Somethings definitely not right.
What nonsense, Em! Ill be fine!
Oh for heavens sake, its not the Dark Ages! What if its serious? Or are you just like most men, and scared of doctors?
No, Im not.
Alan didnt want to tell Emily what really worried him. He was only afraid of one thing: that if he turned out to be ill, Emily would leave him. She wouldnt want to stay with a sick man.
Alan wasnt stupid. He knew Emily had married him for practical reasons, not from mad, passionate love. But he loved her, nonetheless. Against all logic.
Hed seen a woman flustered in the shop, fumbling in her handbag for her purse. Instantly, Alan had fallen for her. That rattled look touched him deeply.
He felt the urge to walk over, sweep her up, and promise shed never have to worry again. Even Alans mother said when she met Emily:
Its your life, son. But why her? Shes not pretty, shes no spring chicken, and youre still in great shape. You could have your pick of good young women!
Alan needed nobody but Emily. But now, if he was seriously ill, would Emily still need Alan?
She never did convince him to go to the doctor. One Saturday evening, their friends Sarah and her husband Peter came round. Alan and Pete were out in the garden with a couple of pints, grilling food. In the kitchen, Sarah said to Emily, while chopping salad:
Is Alan unwell?
I just dont know! Emily exclaimed in frustration. Ive begged him to see a doctor, but he wont listen! Youre a doctor, Sarah. What do you think? Alan looks poorly, doesnt he?
Well He does look worse. Hes lost weight, and I think his skin seemed a little yellowish.
Oh lord! Sarah, please, beg him to go to the doctor. Maybe hell listen to you youre a professional!
Sarah looked carefully at her friend.
Emily Do you love him? I only remember how you hesitated before
Emily bit her lip and didnt answer.
But Sarah didnt get the chance to persuade Alan he fainted right at the dinner table. An ambulance was called. Emily went with him. Alan never regained consciousness. She held his hand and prayed.
He had surgery almost immediately.
Liver tumour.
Cancer?! Emily gasped.
Were waiting on the test results now.
He was lucky the tumour was benign, but it had still grown large by the time Alan made it to the operating table.
The doctors banned Alan from almost everything, warning that recovery would be slow, if it happened at all at his age.
Alan was despondent. His mother visited him in hospital.
Emily was at work, so his mum came in the afternoon, with food Alan was permitted to eat not much at that stage.
I hardly recognise you, son! said Mrs. Turner. Whats the matter? You should be happy you survived. Theres no cancer. So eat up, have some of these steamed meatballs.
Im not hungry.
Well, you must eat! Whats the trouble? Is Emily coming to see you?
She comes for now, said Alan.
What do you mean? Afraid shell leave you? Shed be mad if she did!
Im finished! Cant do a thing. Im not allowed to work, not allowed to do anything. Im only fifty, and Im already an invalid. Who wants that?
Whats all the noise about in here? Emily wondered, entering. Youre yelling for the whole ward to hear! Hello, Mrs. Turner!
Best be off, I think. Hello, Emily. Goodbye now.
Whats happened?
Alans mum waved her hand and left. Emily washed her hands, walked over, and sat by her miserable husband.
Oh, dont be silly, Mr Invalid! Youve still got your arms and legs, havent you? Everything else will heal. You know what I read about the liver?
What?
Its an organ that can regenerate. If youve got fifty-one percent left, youre fine, itll grow back. Youve got sixty percent. Give it time. Itll be alright.
Do I have enough time?
What do you mean? Emily frowned.
Time.
Alan, whats wrong? Is there something the doctors havent told me? Did you ask them to hide something from me?
Thats not it
Alan came home from hospital, but the worst time in his life began. Any physical work, no matter how light, exhausted him almost immediately. That was what upset him most.
His milestone birthday was coming up, and the thought of it now only depressed him. Couldnt eat anything, couldnt have a drink. Cheers to that.
Emily seemed not to notice how little Alan could do, and cheerfully joined him in eating a bland, healthy diet.
Em he finally plucked up the courage. Tell me, what will happen to us now?
What do you mean? she asked.
Well Im recovering so slowly. Will you leave me? Tell me now if you will.
Why would I do that? I love being with you.
That was when I could do everything, earn, fix the house. What do I offer now? I cant even enjoy my own company.
Nonsense! Pull yourself together, man!
Im trying! But whats the point? Two swings with a hammer and I feel done for.
Emily came up, hugged him from behind, and rested her cheek on his head.
I love you. Im never leaving you. And theres no rush to get better. Take your time.
You love me? Really?
Truly.
Emily never left Alan. Hes recovering slowly, but surely.
For his birthday Emily organised a dry party, so he wasnt left out for not drinking. A few friends came, they sat in the gazebo and played a few board games.
Youre a lucky man, Alan, said his friends as they left.
I suppose youll all go home and have a drink for me, eh? Alan teased.
They laughed and headed off. In the evening, Alan and Emily sat on the porch, gazing at the stars. Happy. That night, for the first time in months, Alan felt a bit like his old self.
He finally started believing he was on the mend. And at last believed his wife really wasnt going to leave him. He hugged Emily a little tighter.
Whats up, Alan?
Nothing at all! he said.
About time, too, Emily chuckled, kissing him on the cheek.
They were happy.
