You, Me and Ada

As the soft glow of candlelight danced across the elegantly set table, guests mingled, and laughter filled the air at the annual New Year’s dinner party hosted by the highly esteemed Mr and Mrs Delaney. Amidst the lively chatter, classy music and overly fancy platters of food but the main attraction was the hostess herself. One could not help but be drawn to the magnetic presence of Evelyn Delaney. Her unmatched beauty, radiant smile and graceful demeanour effortlessly commanded the attention of all present, everything about her was a captivating spectacle that seemed to mesmerise the entire room.

“Isn’t she just stunning?” remarked a guest, casting an admiring glance in Evelyn’s direction.

Another guest nodded in agreement. “Her husband is a lucky man.”

Seated discreetly in a corner was said husband, Adrian. He sat with a quiet confidence, his expression betraying little emotion as he observed the party before him. He barely socialised, though he was friendly to anyone who approached him.

Evelyn strolled to the centre of the room for her usual end-of-the-evening spiel. The one where she thanked everyone, talked about her excitement for the new year and then showered her hubby with compliments. She gushed about how he’s always had her back, how her side is him through thick and thin. And with every compliment, Adrian just nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

“You’re too kind, my dear,” He would sometimes murmur.

Though he spoke little, you get a lot from his wife’s words. There must be a deep devotion between them that no one could break.

 *    *    *    *

The following day, Evelyn stirred from her sleep, her hand instinctively reaching out to the space beside her in the bed. Finding it empty, she instinctively began to panic as she realised Adrian was not there. Her heart pounded in her chest, striking her like a physical blow.

He’s finally left you.

With trembling hands, she threw off the covers and rushed downstairs, her footsteps echoing in the silent house. Her frantic gaze swept over the familiar surroundings, searching for any sign of her husband. But the rooms remained empty, devoid of his comforting presence.

He’s finally left you.

Desperation clawed at Evelyn’s chest as she tried to suppress the rising tide of fear. Where could he be? Had he indeed left her? The voice in her head was getting louder with x c every step she took.

He’s finally left you.

Just as panic threatened to overwhelm her, Mrs Ado emerged from the kitchen. With a gentle smile, the housekeeper approached Evelyn, her calm demeanour a stark contrast to Evelyn’s frantic state.

“What’s the matter, dear?”

“I can’t find Adrian.” Her voice was quivering as she was close to tears, “I can’t find him anywhere…” He’s finally left me, she wanted to add but stopped herself.

Mrs Ado moved closer and petted Evelyn on the shoulder, “Oh It’s Friday morning, dear,” Mrs. Ado said soothingly, her voice a balm to Evelyn’s frayed nerves. “You know Adrian always goes for a hike on Friday mornings, he won’t be back till noon.”

Evelyn’s breath caught in her throat as the fog of panic began to lift. Of course, it was Friday. How could she have forgotten? Adrian’s weekly morning hike was a routine ingrained in their lives, a ritual that brought him solace and clarity. She has offered to go with him many times but he always insists he needs to do it alone. She hated to wake up without him, the least he could do was wake her up when he was going.

As Mrs. Ado went back into the kitchen and came back out with a familiar bottle of pills and a glass of water. As Evelyn took her anxiety medicine her trembling hands steadied, her racing heart gradually slowing its frantic pace.

In that moment, as the fear and uncertainty receded, Evelyn took a deep breath, her mind finally quieting the relentless chant of doubt. Adrian may have left the bed, but he hadn’t left her. And as the morning sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room, Evelyn allowed herself to believe in the strength of their love once more.

*    *    *    *

Adrian jogged along the familiar path, his footsteps rhythmically pounding against the pavement as he made his way to the park. It was his sanctuary, a place where he could find solace amidst the chaos of life. As he reached his destination, he veered off the main path and found his usual spot by a secluded bush, hidden from view.

Sitting down, Adrian took a moment to catch his breath, his chest rising and falling in steady rhythm. The gentle rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds provided a soothing backdrop as he scanned the park, his eyes searching for her.

And then, like clockwork, she appeared. The woman he had been watching for years, her presence a beacon of light in his otherwise mundane existence. She settled onto a nearby bench, a book cradled in her hands as she lost herself in its pages.

For over an hour, Adrian watched her from his hidden vantage point, finding comfort in the simple act of observing. In the mesmerising way she moved, the way her eyes sparkled with each turn of the page. The way she lightly tapped on her lip with her index finger when she was focused, or her subtle smiles and giggles she got from her story.

But just as Adrian began to lose himself in the moment, his heart skipping a beat with each passing second, his world shattered with the sudden arrival of another figure. A man, tall and confident, approached the woman with purpose, his easy smile sending a pang of jealousy coursing through Adrian’s veins.

Adrian’s breath caught in his throat as he watched the scene unfold before him. The man takes a seat beside the woman and wraps his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close in a gesture of familiarity that cut Adrian to the core.

 *    *   *   *

Ada let her head rest in the crook of her husband’s neck, finding solace in his comforting presence as they sat quietly for a moment. The early morning tranquility enveloped them, a sense of peace settling over the secluded spot.

“I understand why you love this spot so much,” Micheal murmured, breaking the silence. “It’s so peaceful this early in the morning.”

A small smile tugged at Ada’s lips, “The wind hits perfectly, no one bothers you and you get the most beautiful view of the rising sun.” She said in almost automatic response. There was another reason she loved it but she couldn’t bring herself to say it. 

In truth, Ada’s heart held a different reason for returning to this spot every Friday for the past six years. It was here, amidst the tranquil beauty of the park, that she had last seen him, her first love, for the first and last time. She had come here week after week, hoping against hope that he would return one day, that he would find her waiting for him. But he never did.

With a heavy heart, Ada knew that her fantasy of reconciliation was over. She was starting a new chapter in her life, building a future with her husband, and she needed to let go of the past. She could no longer cling to the hope of a reunion that would never come.

With a determined resolve, Ada rose to her feet, her hand outstretched for her husband to join her. Together, hand in hand, they walked away from the memories that lingered in the shadows of the park, leaving behind the ghosts of her past as they embraced the promise of a new beginning.

*    *    *    *

6 Years Ago

Adrian arrived at the park, his mind heavy with thoughts. He was stressed at work and his girlfriend Evelyn was looking for every reason to fight with him at home, all he wanted 

was quiet solace in his usual spot. He would just sit, watch the sunset and think. But as he approached, he was taken aback to find a woman sitting on his favourite bench, engrossed in a book. Irritation bubbled within him, his plans suddenly disrupted.

“Excuse me,” Adrian said, his voice tinged with annoyance. “This is my spot. Could you please find somewhere else to sit?”

The woman looked up, confusion flickering in her eyes before she shook her head resolutely. “I’m sorry, I’m not going to leave just because you say so.”

Frustration welled up inside Adrian as he reluctantly took a seat beside her, the tension palpable between them. But then, almost involuntarily, he found himself speaking, “You don’t get it, I come here all the time. Noone else sits here.”

She looked at him, shrugged and went back to her book.

Frustrated, he got up.

“Why is this spot so special to you?” she asked, suddenly. She met his gaze, her eyes were wide and imploring.

He cleared his throat, slightly irritated by the question but he was motivated by the possibility that she would leave, “Well, for starters, the wind hits this space just right,” he explained. “It’s never too hot or too cool. And because it’s tucked away on the outskirts of the park, it’s always empty, except for today, of course.”

Ada couldn’t help but be intrigued by his perspective, “I never noticed… what else.” 

Despite his initial resistance, he found himself sitting down to explain further. “And the sunrise,  and sunset” He continued, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “It looks absolutely perfect from here.” He pointed right across from them. It was a few minutes to sunset and the sky had taken the most beautiful orangish hue. 

Ada smiled and it made Adrian smile too. He had never considered how these aspects of his favourite spot would seem to another person, probably a bit eccentric.

“Those are really amazing qualities in a favourite spot.” She said.

He couldn’t tell if she was being sarcastic or she was being honest so he just nodded.

Suddenly she sighed, closed her book and got up. 

“Where are you going?” He asked, surprised.

“I’m leaving, that’s what you wanted, wasn’t it?”

He wasn’t so sure what he wanted anymore. “How about we make a deal?”

She looked curious, “I’m listening.”

“If you can sit here in complete silence and just enjoy the sunset then I’m willing to share.”

The woman laughed and Adrian felt the tension between them dissipate, replaced by a newfound sense of camaraderie. With a nod, she sat back down and they settled into a comfortable silence watching the sun go down.

8 months later

Ada and Adrian sat at their spot. Where they had been meeting for months, where they had fallen in love. Adrian’s voice trembled as he spoke, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air between them. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, his teary gaze pleading for forgiveness. “I tried to leave, but… she threatened to hurt herself again. I can’t bear the thought of losing you but… I can’t leave her to die.”

Ada’s heart clenched at his admission, the pain in his eyes mirroring her own. She reached out, gently placing her hand on his, offering a silent reassurance of her understanding. “I don’t want you to leave her,” she said softly. “We can’t build our happiness on someone else’s sorrow.”

“Do you hate me?” Adrian asked, his voice barely a whisper.

Ada shook her head, her eyes brimming with compassion. “No,” she replied firmly. “I could never hate you.”

The tears in Adrian’s eyes spilled over as he struggled to hold back the flood of emotions threatening to consume him. “I wish things were different,” he murmured, his voice choking with sorrow.

In response, Ada offered him a gentle smile, her own tears glistening in the soft light of the dawn. “Let’s play a game,” she suggested, a hint of mischief in her voice.

Adrian couldn’t help but laugh, surprised by her sudden change in tone. “A game?” he repeated, his confusion evident.

Ada nodded, her smile widening even through her tears. “Yes. This bench, right here, this is our house,” she declared, her voice tinged with determination. “And no matter what happens, when we’re both here, we leave every weight we’re carrying outside. Here, it’s just us. Together.”

Adrian’s heart swelled with warmth at her words, a flicker of hope igniting within him. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close as if trying to hold onto this moment forever. In that fleeting instant, as they sat together on the bench, bathed in the glow of the rising sun, he forgot all he was going to lose and held on to all he wanted.

*     *     *     *

Adrian arrived home, his footsteps heavy with the weight of his emotions as he sought solace in the familiarity of his surroundings. Mrs Ado opened the door. “How was your hike, sir?” 

“Tiring. Where is Evelyn?” 

“Sleeping upstairs. I gave her her pills earlier.” 

He nodded in acknowledgement before retreating to his study, craving a moment of solitude to confront the tumultuous thoughts swirling in his mind.

Alone in the quiet confines of his study, Adrian allowed himself to succumb to the overwhelming grief that consumed him. He knew she would move on eventually but it still broke him. Tears streamed down his face as he mourned for the woman he loved and the life they could have shared together. He cried for the dreams that would never be realised, for the future that had slipped through his fingers like grains of sand.

After a time, Adrian wiped away his tears. With a deep breath, he rose from his chair and set about tidying up his study, each movement a deliberate attempt to regain control over his emotions.

As he made his way upstairs to their bedroom, Adrian’s heart ached with longing as he caught sight of his sleeping wife. Evelyn stirred awake at his presence, her eyes fluttering open as she greeted him with a tender smile.

“I missed you,” she murmured, her voice filled with genuine affection. She sat up and stretched out her arms for a hug.

Adrian’s breath caught in his throat at her words, the weight of his earlier despair momentarily threatening to resurface. To cover it up, he enveloped her in a warm embrace. Hiding his watering eyes in the crook of her neck.

At his gesture, Evelyn held him tighter, “I could never live without you,” She whispered. He couldn’t tell if it was an admission or a warning, but he took it as the latter. 

“I know.” He said simply. “I’m not going anywhere.” His fate was sealed now more than ever, he was trapped with her forever.

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