June 15th
Its strange how love can make you lose your head. When Evelyn whispered, Maybe we should go back to the village, I cant get used to city life after three years, my heart leapt. She felt like a stranger among the highrise flats, while the fresh air of the countryside called to her. What if we had a baby there? she added, and I found myself nodding before she finished.
James, you wont believe it, but Ive been thinking the same, she said the next day, her eyes bright. I could go back to teaching at the school, and maybe a change of scenery will do us good.
Eve, youre my dearest, I replied, its settled then.
We had married four years ago. After finishing university, Evelyn moved here to the little village of Ashford and began teaching at the primary school. Our love blossomed there, and we tied the knot soon after. After a year we were forced to leave; her mother fell gravely ill, so we moved to the city to care for her. A year later her mother passed away, and we stayed in the town, still yearning for the quiet life wed left behind.
Our marriage is solid, we love each other deeply, but the emptiness of not having children gnaws at us. Evelyn has undergone every test, and the doctors keep saying everything is fine.
So we packed quickly, hired a van, and drove back to Ashford to move into my mothers cottageshed been living alone ever since my father died a year ago.
Thank heavens, exclaimed Sarah, my motherinlaw, waving her hands as we unloaded the boxes. I was praying that youd come back. The house is yours, therell be room for everyoneremember how we lived happily here before? Your father, James, passed away last year I miss him. I asked God to bring you back, and He answered.
I found work again at the local garage; the owners welcomed me with open arms. Evelyn returned to the school, where Mr. Foster, the headmaster, greeted her warmly: Good to see you, Miss Evelyn. Theres a vacancy nowmost people are reluctant to relocate to the country, but were glad youre here.
On Friday evening Sarah hosted a supper at her cottage. Neighbours, friends, and the schools parents gathered, all eager to welcome Evelynaffectionately called Eve by the village folk. The most enthusiastic was Sam, whod once been rescued from the bottom of a bottle by Evelyn herself. No one believed hed quit drinking, yet Evelyn stood by him, supporting his recovery.
When Sam burst into Sarahs garden, he ran straight to James and his older brother, hugging them so tightly he forgot to say hello.
James, is it true? The whole village is buzzing that you and Eve are back, he asked, eyes wide.
Were here for good, I replied, patting Sams shoulder.
Wheres she? Wheres our Eve?
Sam darted inside, spotted Evelyn, lifted her up, spun her a few times, and set her down gently.
Eve! Eve, how glad I am to see you!
From the doorway James stood, smiling. Finally, Ive figured it all out. Ill be expecting you both tomorrow for tea at our place. Vera will be delighted. I must dash home now; I promised my wife Id look after our little one. He waved and hurried off.
Does he still drink? Evelyn asked Sarah.
Nope, not a drop since he swore off it. He loves his daughtershes almost two now.
Whats her name?
Anne, Sarah replied with a grin. You guessed it, didnt you?
Anne? Just like me?
Not after you, but in your honour, Sam said, chuckling. You forgot how I used to look after her No one thought I could become a proper man.
The next morning Evelyn and I visited Sams house. Vera was bustling around a set table, and from a tiny room emerged a little doll, curls mirroring Sams, blue eyes and chubby cheeks, shyly clutching a blanket.
Look, my dear, whos come to see us, Sam announced, Uncle James and Auntie, Evelynwell, Anya to you.
Hello, Anya, Evelyn said, sitting beside the doll and handing it over.
The girl hugged the doll, took Evelyns hand, and led her into the bedroom.
James, youve lost your wife, Sam laughed, but shes won our daughters heart. She hides behind us, and now shes found you, a kind soul.
More relatives arrivedSams cousins, a handful of villagers who drifted in as word spread. In a place like Ashford, a good feast always draws a crowd. Some brought pies, others jam, pickles, a bottle of cider, and a few even carried a battered accordion. The house buzzed with laughter.
When Sam stood to propose a toast to James and Evelyn, he lifted a glass but didnt drinkeveryone knows hes sworn to sobriety.
I, more than anyone here, owe everything I have today to Evelyn, he began, his voice steady. She lifted me from a life of nothingness. Back then people whispered behind my back, There goes Sam, off to the teachers house in broad daylight. How could a young, educated girl be involved with him? They didnt understand that men and women can share honest, pure friendship, not just gossip. I also hid a love for Vera deep inside, a secret even I didnt admit to myself.
The villagers murmured in agreement, remembering the many talks of those days.
Ill never forget the first time Evelyn asked me for help building birdhouses, Sam continued, She smiled kindly, asked me to stay sober, and I promised. I built two birdhouses, thinking it was a simple task, but then she kept asking for more. I wanted a drink, but I held my tongueshe would have seen me in a bad light. I learned to be useful, took a drivers course, got a job, and have been steering a steady course ever since.
I reflected on how my own life changed when Evelyn left for the city with James. Her patience pulled me out of a dark tunnel, step by step toward light. She became my guardian angel. For months she watched me, believed in me, and Im forever grateful.
Time passed. I kept working at the garage, Evelyn taught at the school. One afternoon she returned home pale, her legs weak. She collapsed onto the sofa.
Eve, whats wrong? Sarah asked, surprised. Ive never seen you lie down during the day. Are you ill?
I dont knowjust dizziness, nausea.
Sarahs eyes widened. Are you expecting a baby, love?
Im not sure I dont hold much hope anymore.
Dont be so quick to give up, Sarah said, Tomorrow well see a doctor in the town.
A few days later the doctor confirmed the news: Congratulations, youll have a baby.
I was driving home from work, eager to see my wifes bright smile. As I burst through the front door, I saw her beaming. You dont even need to say a wordyour face says it all.
Later that night we were rushed to the district hospital. I rode with her in the ambulance. She gave birth to a son in the early hours. The next morning Sarah visited the ward, sitting beside the baby on a bench.
Mother, I cant believe all this is happening to me, the newborns voice seemed to whisper in my mind. I love Evelyn so much it scares me. Is this normal?
Very normal, my boy, I imagined Sarah saying, smiling. When you truly love someone, you lose your head.
We brought the baby home, and I vowed to help Evelyn every step of the way. As I watched the child, I thought, He looks like a little man on the outside, but inside hes still a baby.
Soon after, Evelyn gave birth to a daughter, filling our cottage with joy.
I completed my degree by correspondence and now work as the head agronomist for the local farm. Evelyn has been offered the post of headmistress, but she hesitates, feeling the pull of the classroom.
Tonight, as I write this, the house is quiet except for the soft breathing of our two children. Im grateful for the unexpected turn that love took us onback to the village, back to each other, and finally, back to the family we always wanted.
