Another whole year together…
Lately, Archibald Edwards hadnt been leaving the house alone. Hed stopped going out by himself ever since that one day at the GP surgery when he couldnt recall where he lived or even his own name. That time, hed walked off in the wrong direction, wandering the neighbourhood for ages, until his eyes landed on a building he recognised. It turned out to be the clock factory where Archibald had worked nearly fifty years of his life.
He stood staring at the factory, knowing it meant something to him, yet unable to recall why or who he was until someone clapped him gently on the shoulder from behind.
Archie! Uncle Archibald, what brings you here? Missing the old place, eh? We were chatting about you the other day, saying what a fine mentor you were. Dont you recognise me, Archie? Its me, Jamie Turner you made a man of me! As Jamie spoke, something clicked in Archibalds mind. The emptiness vanished, and memories flooded back. Thank heavens.
Jamie grinned and hugged his old mentor. You remember now? I shaved my moustache, thats why I look different. Fancy popping in? The lads would be thrilled!
Archibald gave a weary smile, Perhaps another time, Jamie, Im a bit tired, truth be told.
My cars just here, mate. Let me drive you home, I still remember your address! Jamie cheered.
Jamie took him home, and since that day, Archibalds wife, Margaret Edwards, never let him venture out on his own. Luckily, his memory stayed steady from then on. They went everywhere together the park, the doctors, the shops.
But one time, Archibald caught a nasty bug fever and dreadful cough. Margaret dashed out to the pharmacy and the market, although she herself felt slightly off-colour. She bought medicines and a few groceries, not a huge amount. Still, a strange weakness came over her, and she was soon short of breath. The shopping seemed impossibly heavy. Margaret paused, caught her breath, and hauled her bag homewards.
She shuffled a few more steps, stopped again, set the heavy bag down on freshly fallen snow, and then gently sank onto the footpath towards their home. Her last thought was, Why did I buy so much at once? My old brains not what it was!
Thankfully, neighbours leaving the building spotted Margaret lying in the snow. They rushed over and called for an ambulance. Margaret was whisked off to hospital, while the neighbours grabbed her bag of groceries and medicines and hurried back to her flat, ringing the doorbell.
Her husband, Archibald, mustve stayed home. Hes been looking poorly lately I havent seen him for a couple of days, noted Nina Smith, one of the neighbours. Maybe hes asleep, Margaret said his healths been up and down. Well, old age is no picnic. Ill check again later.
Archibald heard the bell but was so weakened by fever and coughing that he could barely breathe or stand. Trying to get up, dizziness threatened to knock him down.
The coughing subsided, and Archibald drifted into a strange, half-waking sleep. Where was Margaret? Shed been gone so long.
He lay like that for ages, then suddenly heard light footsteps. To his amazement, Margaret appeared beside him. How wonderful that shed come home!
Archibald, give me your hand, hold on to me, get up, called Margaret, her voice soft. He rose, clutching her strangely cold, frail hand.
Now open the door, quickly, she whispered.
Why? wondered Archibald, but he opened it as shed asked. Instantly, Nina Smith and Jamie walked in.
Archie, why didnt you answer? We rang and knocked for ages!
Butwheres Margaret? She was just here, Archibald asked, his lips pale as he tried to comprehend her sudden absence.
Shes in hospital, in intensive care, replied Nina, surprised.
I think hes delirious, Jamie guessed, just catching Archibald as he fainted.
The neighbours rang for another ambulance it was heatstroke and exhaustion. Two weeks later, Margaret was discharged from hospital. Jamie drove her home, and he, along with Nina, had cared for Archibald during Margarets stay. Slowly, Archibald recovered too.
The best thing? They were still together.
When Archibald and Margaret were finally alone, both struggled to hold back tears.
Thank goodness for caring people, Archibald. Ninas a good soul. Remember how her little ones used to come over after school? Wed feed them, help with homework, and then Nina would collect them after work.
Not everyone remembers kindness, but shes stayed warm-hearted. It means so much, Archibald agreed.
And Jamie, too. He was just a boy when I mentored him. Many youngsters forget elders, but Jamie didnt abandon us.
Soon itll be New Years, Archibald. Im so grateful were together, Margaret whispered, nestling against her husband.
Margaret, tell me how did you come to me from hospital and make me open the door for our rescuers? I swear I wouldnt be here otherwise, Archibald finally asked.
He feared shed suspect his mind was slipping again, but Margaret simply looked at him, astonished.
So it was real? They told me Id briefly passed away, but it felt like I was half-asleep, visiting you. I remember seeing myself in the ward, then leaving and coming to you
What strange things happen to us in old age. Yet I love you as much as ever, possibly more, Archibald said quietly, taking her hands in his. They sat in silence, gazing at one another as if afraid of being torn apart again.
That evening, just before New Years Eve, Jamie popped in, bringing home-baked pies from his wife. Then Nina stopped by. They all shared pie and tea, feeling content and warm-hearted.
When New Years arrived, Margaret and Archibald welcomed it alone together.
You know, I made a wish if we see this New Year in side by side, then this year is ours, and theres still time left for us, Margaret told Archibald.
They both laughed, comforted by that happy thought.
Another whole year of life together its a lot, and its real happiness.
In moments like these, they learned that kindness, friendship, and love are the greatest gifts, and that even one more year together is worth cherishing.
