Love is never too late
A short story by David Arthur Thorpe
From the series: Love has more than one colour
Katherine stood gazing with satisfaction at the flower arrangement on the grave of her late husband, Harry, who had died 6 years earlier in an aviation accident, when his glider dived out of control into a wood. They had both celebrated their 62nd birthday and Katherine`s world had fallen to pieces after Harry`s tragic death. Although she lived with her unmarried son and had frequent visits from her daughter and grandchildren, they had been 5 long lonely years. The weekly gathering with her girlfriends over a wine or two at a local bistro and the 6-day holiday each year with the ladies were only moments of distraction for her.
Then Malcolm entered unexpectedly into Katherine`s life.
"I have something to confess, Harry" Katherine admitted still watering the flowers she had planted. "I have been true to you for almost 5 years now but I have met someone who finds me attractive and we get on very well together. His name is Malcolm and he is a 69 year old widower." Katherine stopped here to take a breath of relief. She had done it at last; told Harry about Malcolm.
"You see, Harry," Katherine continued, "it all started when I decided to take Dr. Clarke`s advice and go for 4 weeks for a spa cure. He had been trying to persuade me to go for weeks but I really didn`t want to go and leave Kevin on his own. But you know our son, he said he would manage alright and our daughter Sarah would pop in now and again to see that he had a decent meal. They both thought that it would do me good to have a break and bring my blood pressure under control."
Assured that Harry would also have agreed, Katherine continued to tell her story.
"Well bags packed I went by train to the spa town on the South coast with somewhat mixed feelings. First it was a relaxing experience to be away for a while and not to have to be around all the time for other members of the family. You know how tiring Sarah´s two children can be and her constant problems with her husband Tim.
On the other hand I was thinking what I would do all day by myself for four weeks in a spa town where I knew nobody. The town, however, was very pleasant with a variety of shops on the promenade. You know my weakness for shoes, Harry,! Katherine confessed, "and then those beautifully kept parks with their cafés. I was alone most of the time though, except when I went for the check-ups, massages and water gymnastics. I almost rang Kevin after the first two weeks to come and bring me home but then I thought, Katherine you are here for four weeks and four weeks you will stay." She smiled to herself as she removed weeds choking the pansies she had planted last week. She knew very well, of course, why it had been a good decision to remain at the spa.
"It was on the Monday morning, Harry," Katherine related with a touch of excitement in her voice, "as I was walking from my room down the corridor on my way to the swimming pool for the water gymnastics, when I suddenly tripped up over my dressing gown. Down I went, full length on the carpeted floor. I didn´t really hurt myself, just a little shook up but before I could start to get myself back on my feet, two firm hands gently lifted me up and there I was stood on both feet looking into the eyes of this handsome man with twinkling blue eyes. I was breathless for a while I must admit and couldn´t reply straight away to his concern if I had hurt myself, and if he should call a doctor. I finally told him I was alright and he smiled and offered to accompany me to the pool."
"It turned out that Malcolm was also going for his early morning gymnastics and we both went together. I didn`t see him again all day but in the evening, when I had chosen a table to have my evening meal, he appeared and asked politely if he could join me at my table. I said yes, and so our relationship started. We enjoyed each other`s company and he told me of his daughter and the two grandchildren. His wife had passed away 3 years previous and he lived alone. We enjoyed each others company and the walks in the parks and along the promenade. We dined together each evening and even went together to the spa dinner dance on the last weekend."
Katherine broke off her story again and sat herself down on the bench opposite Harry`s grave.
After reflecting for a short while, she began to inform him again.
"You know Harry,” she continued, “I never even thought possible that I would fall in love again, but I have and Malcolm loves me. We decided to see each other once we were back home and that is what we have been doing. At first it was twice a month and now almost each weekend and sometimes we go for a few days to the spa town to the same hotel."
Here Katherine paused and reflected. "At first Harry," she confessed, "I thought not to carry on with Malcolm. What would our friends think of a person of my age starting an affair based on a spa romance? However, the family were all in favour and thought I should pursue my happiness with Malcolm. His daughter and son-in-law were of the same opinion. So Harry, here we are, Malcolm and I are having a fulfilled relationship and enjoying our lives with our late love."
Katherine looked at the grave with tears in her eyes. "I wanted you to know about Malcolm and I, "she admitted, "and I know you will give us your blessing."
Katherine then collected her watering can and her basket with the weeds she had removed from Harry`s grave. She said goodbye to Harry and made her way to the cemetery gate, stopping now and then to pay her respects to friends, who like Harry, would be greeted again on her next visit the following week.
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