Youre not really my husband, William
An old lady sat beside her husband’s bed, gently wiping his feverish brow with a damp cloth.
William, all these years I wanted to confess something, but never had the courage. I deceived you, William. Youre not really my husband!
The old man opened his eyes and stared at her in surprise.
Please dont interrupt me now, or else we might part ways forever, and I’d never have repented. Do you remember when you wandered into our village after the war? I was startled at first, then threw my arms around you. You looked just like my husband! Id received word he was gone, but then there you were, alive, so I thought theyd made a mistake and hed returned. I clung to you, but quickly realised Id been mistaken. Blushed and apologised, I did. Still, I let you stay overnight in the barn.
The next morning, you decided to fix the barn door, and a beam suddenly collapsed on you. I feared I’d have to bury you as well, but saw you were breathing still alive. Called for the doctor, and he said you were a sturdy chap, just a bit battered and your memory slightly lost. Thats when I decided to say you were my husband. Strong, handsome fellow you were, and after the war it was impossible to manage alone with two children. I made my claim, and you believed me. Later, guilt gnawed at me, but by then wed gotten used to each other, grown fond, and I didnt want things to change. Only now, I confess, it was all my doing. Maybe your life wouldve turned out differently…
William watched her in silence then suddenly burst into laughter.
You silly old thing! Why would I want another life? Ive loved you all my days. Its true, I wandered into your village by chance, but the moment I saw you, I fell in lovedidnt know how to approach you. Thought Id help with some chores until you might notice me and perhaps let me stay, but then that beam knocked me on the head and everything went dark. Came round to find the doctor and you fussing over me. I asked him to fib a bit, say my memory was gone, just to linger in your home. Then you claimed I was your husband, and I was glad I didnt have to invent anything at all.
Why didnt you tell me sooner, you cunning devil? she smiled. We couldve laughed about it together.
Meant to, but life kept us busy raising the older ones, then three more came along, he chuckled, moustache twitching. Weve carried our dreadful secrets all our lives, and they turned out not the least bit dreadful.
Well, at least its sorted now, or else wed have amused the guardian angels with such tales, she said. Just promise me, William, dont die yet. Dont leave me here alone, I cant live without you.
Dont start with the tears. Ill be fine, her husband soothed. Enough fussing, off with you to bed. Mornings wiser than evening.
They lay down together, but she slept restlessly. Troubles seemed to tumble through her grey head and disturb her sleep. At dawn, she awoke, the bed beside her empty. Her heart knotted with worry. She peeked into the yardin the soft light, there he was on the stoop, smoking quietly. She exhaled in relief. This time Death had passed them by, so thered be more days yet to creak along side by side.
