Fateful Foursome
by Ian Curtress
He was at the top, pleased
he had made the effort but grateful for the seat.
It had been a stressful week and he had forgotten
how lovely the views were from here. He was
shaken out of his reverie by a large English
sheepdog appearing in front of him. It was facing
him with what appeared to be a challenging
expression.
Tentatively he stroked his head. It was accepted
but the expression didn’t change. Then he
heard a call. Marcus! and this rather pleasant
lady appeared, slightly out of breath.
I do apologise she said, he never usually runs
ahead of me like that. He said he was looking at
me as if I had taken his seat.
Well in a way you have she said
We come up here every Saturday morning, it’s
good exercise for both of us, we sit and I never
tire of the views.
My Wife and I used to make this climb regularly
until I lost her, but have had no wish to walk it
on my own.
Quite the reverse with me she said. This was our
regular walk on a Saturday and when I lost my
husband I found it comforting to carry on the
routine.
Oh I’m John he said but they call me Jack,
don’t ask me why.
She hesitated and looked a little embarrassed. I’m
Gillian but they call me Gill. Simultaneously
they both laughed. Well I haven’t brought a
pail he said.
Well you must admit it’s rather funny Jack
and Gill up the hill!
For some reason they looked at each other in
silence for what was only a minute or two but
seemed like an hour.
She quickly said I had better start making my way
down, the easy way this time. May I walk with you
he said. That would be nice. Pleasant to have
company for once When they reached the entrance
to the grounds he asked if he could join her and
Marcus on the seat next Saturday.
And so that routine became the norm and they
found themselves becoming quite close. She felt
there was a close enough bond to broach a
sensitive subject.
They were having an affectionate quiet moment
when she asked how did you lose your Wife Jack.
There was a pause and he said she was lost at sea.
She was a passionate sailer but I have no love of
the sea. She belonged to the Westsea Sailing Club.
We had a lovely relaxing arrangement. I used to
glide and she would spend a day at my Gliding
Club and then I would spend a day with her at the
Sailing Club.
She hadn’t a boat but was competent and well
known and there was nearly always someone wanting
a crew for the day.
It was a lovely day and William…. She put a
shaking hand on his arm and with an ashen face
said Lucy!
For a moment he felt faint. He hadn’t heard
her name for such a long time. She sailed with my
Husband that day Jack.
I thought I knew you when we met on the hill but
dismissed it That terrible day and the days that
followed.
As you know they searched for five days. They
found nothing, no wreckage.
If only they could have found something it would
have given help with my grief.
He recovered his composure, I never want to go
through that hell again Gill. Gently took her
hand and said.
Perhaps we were meant to meet each other on this……
Our Hill.
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