Another whole year together…
For the past year, Arthur Bennett hadnt been out alone once. Ever since the day he took a trip to the surgery and forgot not only where he lived but even his own name, things had changed. He wandered off in the wrong direction, circling the neighbourhood for ages, until something familiar caught his eye. It turned out to be the old watch factory where Arthur had worked for nearly fifty years.
He stood before the building, sure he knew it, but the reasons why, and even who he was, slipped further from himuntil someone unexpectedly tapped him on the shoulder.
Bennett! Uncle Arthur, was it boredom that brought you here? We were just reminiscing about you the other day, remembering what a top foreman you were. Dont you recognise me? Im James Atkinson! You, Bennett, made me the man I am today!
Suddenly, something clicked inside Arthurs mind, the emptiness vanished, and the memories rushed back. Thank heavens for small mercies…
James hugged his old mentor tightly.
Recognise me now? I shaved my moustache, must look different! Will you come inside? The ladsll be thrilled to see you.
Another time, James. Feeling a bit tired today, Arthur admitted.
No trouble. My cars just nearbyIll run you home. I remember your address.
James drove him home, and after that, Margaret Bennett rarely let her husband out of her sight, though his memory seemed fine again. They only went out together nowto the park, surgery, or the shops.
One day though, Arthur caught a nasty fever and persistent cough. Margaret ran out to the chemist and the shop, even though she was feeling a bit off herself. She picked up some medicines and what groceries she could carry, but a peculiar weakness took her. Short of breath, the shopping bag suddenly felt impossibly heavy. She paused for a moment, caught her breath, and dragged the bag along towards home.
Just a few steps more, but she had to stop again. She set the cumbersome bag down on the fresh snow and, to her dismay, softly sank onto the path leading up to their house. Her last thought waswhy on earth had she bought so much at once? Age muddles the mind!
Thankfully, some neighbours happened to be leaving and spotted Margaret lying in the snow. They ran to her and called for an ambulance…
Margaret was rushed to hospital, while the neighbours grabbed her bag of groceries and medicines, returned, and knocked at Arthurs door.
Her husband, Arthur, must be inside still. I havent seen him for days, guessed Nina Franklin. Hes probably just asleep, Margaret did say hes often poorly now. Getting old isnt easy, Ill try later
Arthur heard the bell, but coughing made it hard to catch his breath. He tried to get up, only to find himself dizzy and exhausteda feverish haze overwhelming him.
The cough faded, and Arthur fell into a strange sleephalf waking, half dreaming. Where was Margaret? Why was she taking so long?
He lay there, drifting, when he thought he heard soft footsteps. Suddenly, his wife appearedhis Margaret! Relief flooded him.
Arthur, take my hand, hold on and stand up, come on, she urged. Arthur got up, clinging to her oddly cold, frail hand.
Now, unlock the door, quickly, Margaret whispered.
Why? Arthur asked, puzzled, but did as she asked anyway. Nina and James stepped inside at once.
Bennett, weve been calling and knocking! Why didnt you open up? said James, concerned.
Margaretwheres Margaret? She was just here! Arthurs lips went pale as he desperately searched for his wife.
Shes in hospital, in intensive care, Nina replied, surprised.
Hes delirious, James murmured, just managing to catch his old friend as he fainted…
They rang for an ambulanceturned out it was a feverish faint.
Two weeks later, Margaret was discharged from hospital. James came by in his car to bring her home; he and Nina had helped Arthur recover during those difficult days.
The most important thing wasthey were together again.
At last, alone with his wife, Arthur could barely hold back tears.
Thank goodness for kind people, Arthur. Ninas a lovely neighbour; remember when her kids used to pop round after school, wed feed them, help with homework, and when Nina finished work, shed collect them?
Yes, but not everyone remembers kindness. Still, shes kept a warm heart, and thats rare, Arthur agreed.
And James too, he was just a lad when I mentored himhelped him get started. Young ones forget old folk quickly, but he stuck by me.
In a few days itll be New Years, Arthur. How lucky we are to be together again, said Margaret, nestling close.
Margaret, tell mehow did you come from hospital to help me open the door for my rescuers? If it hadnt been for you, I might not have made it, Arthur finally asked.
He feared shed think his mind was going, but Margaret gazed at him in wonder.
So it really happened? They told me I had a clinical deathI remember being half-asleep, leaving the hospital to come to you. I even recall seeing myself lying in intensive care before I walked out to find you
Strange and wonderful things happen to us, love, even in old age. I care for you more than ever, perhaps even more than before, Arthur said, holding her hands. They sat for a long time, quietly looking at each otheras though afraid something might separate them again.
That evening, just before New Years, James dropped by with treatshis wife had baked pies. Soon Nina joined them, and they all enjoyed tea and pie together, warm and at peace.
Margaret and Arthur welcomed the New Year side by side.
Do you know, I made a wish: if we saw in this New Year together, it would be ours. Another year to live and love, said Margaret.
They laughed together, hearts light with hope.
Another whole year togetherwhat happiness, what a gift.
