Emily, swing by the club tonight; Ive got something to discuss with you, Zachary says as she steps out of the corner shop, hurrying off to his next errand.
Emily catches his glance, nods, and watches him turn the corner, though he doesnt see her.
This Zachary always looks so serious, she thinks, strolling along the country lane back to her cottage. Maybe its because hes six years older than me.
Shell be at the club later, but she cant guess what Zachary wants. Vera always circles him, never letting another girl get near. In the village everyone knows that Vera clings to Zachary like a shadow. Emily has even seen Zachary dodge Veras attempts to pull him onto the dance floor.
Leave him alone, Vera, Emily hears, while Vera just laughs, unfazed.
You wont get away, youll fall in love and marry him, and hell still be mine Vera sings.
If a bloke said that to me, Id steer clear on the tenth road, Emily muses, embarrassed at the thought.
Emily gets ready for the club, her heart fluttering. Shes nineteen, with a whole life ahead. She dreams of a good, kind husband and two children of her own.
Zacharys a decent fellow, even if hes six years older, but his stare sends a chill down my spine, she thinks, looking at her reflection in the mirror. The new dress fits her perfectly. Hes escorted me home three times, always politely, never grabbing my hand like most lads who want to hug you the minute you meet.
The club buzzes with chatter. As soon as Emily walks in, Zacharys eyes lock onto hers; hes been waiting. He rushes over.
Hey, Em, he says, pulling her into the centre of the floor. Lets dance, he adds, and they move to My Shining Star.
Emily barely has time to look around before shes twirling with Zachary, his expression as serious as ever, a faint smile flickering at the corners of his mouth. His firm hand around her waist makes her pulse quicken. They keep dancing. Soon Vera appears, scanning the pair with a fierce look, while Zachary stays close to Emily, repeatedly asking her to dance.
Before the music ends, Zachary leans in.
Emily, lets step out for a walk.
Alright, she agrees, and they slip out while Vera continues dancing.
They stroll beyond the village, the night quiet except for chirping crickets and the cool breeze from the river. Mist drifts in patches. The scent of wildflowers swirls around her, perhaps intensified by Zacharys presence.
Emily, I dont want to beat around the bush any longer, Zachary says. Will you marry me?
She freezes, surprised. Shed expected a confession of love, not a proposal.
Why are you so quiet? Zachary asks, nervous.
Oh, Zachary, I didnt expect this but Im happy to say yes, she replies, giggling softly. He wraps her in his arms and kisses her.
Their wedding is a joyous affair, a true love match. Afterward Emily moves into Zacharys family home, sharing the house with his parents. She quickly settles in; his parents welcome her with warmth. Though shes heard the usual warnings about motherinlaw and daughterinlaw dynamics, she enjoys a good relationship with them.
Emily respects Zacharys advice, assuming his seniority means he should head the household. He never mistreats her, offering support in tough times. Soon their son arrives, and Emily takes on the motherly duties. The grandmother, eager to help, looks after the baby, even waking at night to soothe him.
Three years later a daughter is born. Grandparents dote on the grandchildren, easing Emilys workload. Her own mother and the grandmother frequently lend a hand.
One day well build our own house, Zachary declares. Every man should have a home of his own. Emily agrees, and he gets to work.
Their son is five, their daughter still a toddler, and Emily cant stop beaming at the news. Shes long wanted a house of her own, a place where she can decide how things run. Having my own home means I can set things up the way I like, she tells Zachary. The kids can have their own rooms, and well have a private bedroom. Zachary does everything she asks for.
Finally the house is finished. They move in, and joy fills every corner. Zachary plays with the children like a kid himself, and they even bring a kitten into the new home, chasing it around the rooms.
Emily, perhaps we should think about a third child, Zachary muses. She laughs, Why not? Weve got plenty of space now.
But fate has other plans. Suddenly Zachary collapses after breakfast, clutching his chest. Emily helps him onto the sofa and rushes to fetch the paramedic. By the time they arrive, hes already gone.
Emilys grief is overwhelming. How can she now live alone with the children in the new house?
Just keep going, even if we wanted a third child, she sobs. Why do good men get taken away? She remains a widow with two kids.
At first she weeps for days, haunted by Zacharys memory. Yet she knows she must move forward for her childrens sake. Im the only adult they have now. I must endure this trial and not give up. Others are living their own lives, she tells herself.
She takes two jobs to ensure the children never lack, though her parents still help. Over time Emily regains her strength and looks well again. Men start approaching, offering dates and even marriage, but she refuses, believing no new man could match Zachary. She worries a new partner might not fit into the family or could hurt the children. Ill wait until the kids are grown, she decides.
Eventually the children grow up. Their son graduates from university, their daughter finishes college, each starts a family of their own, and Emily now has two grandchildren. Shes fortyeight. Weekends often bring visits from her children and grandchildren. One day her son says, Mum, youre still young and lovely. Dont stay alone; find a decent man and marry again. We wont mind. Loneliness doesnt suit you.
Emily sighs, Ive thought about it, but I cant find anyone like Zachary. I turn down suitors because most either drink too much, argue, or avoid work. I have my house and my responsibilities; everything else feels fleeting. At least youre handy with your crafts.
A neighbour introduces Emily to her cousin, Gregory, a widower from the next village. He drives over in his car, bringing a few treats. Emily greets him, bakes a cake, sets the table, and pours a bottle of wine her son had fetched from the city a Spanish red, though the neighbour insists Gregory doesnt drink. He uncorks it and fills two glasses, one for himself, one for Emily.
As they eat and drink, Emily notices Gregory finishing the whole bottle himself. He comments, What a lovely wine, Emily. Where did you get it? Ive never tasted anything like it.
The son brought it, she answers, seeing his eyes crinkle with amusement.
Gregory, emboldened by the wine, says, Listen, Emily, I think we should live together in my house. My house is fine, and I wont abandon it. Half my life has passed there, and it will continue. So lets move tomorrow. We could even sell this house; why would you need it?
Emily replies, Gregory, my children will inherit this house. Their father built it, and it will stay theirs.
Gregory snaps, Well then, why are you coming over? Not emptyhanded, I hope.
Emily stands, firm, Gregory, this isnt going to work. Pack up and go home. Were too different to live together.
Youve only known me two hours, and youre already saying we wont get on? Gregory protests.
No, Im done. Im clear about what I want.
She sees him out the door, doesnt care how far he drives back to his village, even if hes had a good drink. She locks the latch behind her.
No more men will live in this house. Ill be on my own. It may be lonely and hard, tending the garden and the house, but I dont need any man, she says aloud, then laughs.
Ah, Emily, dont think about men. Theres no one like Zachary now. Ill stay single for my children and grandchildren. Loneliness doesnt make life beautiful, but living with anyone else isnt appealing either. Still, life goes on.
