Mist
by Ian Curtress
He had never been able to
remember his dreams, just caught a confusing
glimpse which made no sense, but all that changed.
Disturbingly so. He had been under pressure
recently with major changes within the Company at
a time when he was moving home.
His new appointment was very rewarding and made
him secure but at times he reflected the cost.
Thirty two and no family, or even a partner. Too
much travelling and long hours He should have
more quality time in future, hence the move.
Now whether it was the major change in his
lifestyle, or that he had been sleeping much
sounder recently but he had been having a
recurring dream.
It was in some detail and although in its own way
pleasant, he found it almost weird. He was
standing at the Alter in church, relaxed and
excited. He turned his head to look at a
beautiful bride. Dark hair, lovely complexion and
a smile that made him go weak at the knees. When
about two metres away their eyes met…..then
she faded into a mist.
It was always the same. He came to look forward
to it every night. Which concerned him.
He had always had visions of a lovely cottage
near a wood and a trout stream. Passionate fly
fishing his weakness when time allowed. Now he
was in a position to realise his dream.
It was everyones idea of an English cottage, yes,
it did have roses around the door! On the day of
the move the sun was shining and he was
immediately at home.
Strolled to the river, ten minutes and watched
the trout rising. Alls well with the World he
mused.
The following morning he walked into the village,
had mail to post. The post office was a typical
sub post office as was the bush telegraph.
Welcome to our village Mr ? the lady serving him
said. ….Oh. Stephens, Marcus Stephens.
You will find us all very friendly and helpful Mr.Stephens,
we take great pride in our village as you will
have noticed.
The door opened and in came a lovely woman whom
he thought he knew. Post lady looked up. This is
your new neighbour Joan, she said.
Oh hello, I’m Joan Webb, my cottage is
across the lane from yours she said, and with a
cheeky smile continued, so behave yourself. I
want no Raves or debauchery disturbing my beauty
sleep.
Oh I’m short on debauchery at present he
replied entering into the spirit of the
conversation. Pity she said. Have to see what we
can do
I have to make another call otherwise you could
have walked me home.
He was amazed at her light, humorous spontaneous
manner and was well pleased with his new
neighbour.
It was a week before he saw her again. He was
looking at his front garden, rather overgrown,
when she called across to say your garden needs
attention, after all I have to look at it she
said with a smile.
Well you had better come and give advice, I’m
having coffee in a minute come and join me
It seemed he knew her, the conversation was at
times both funny and perceptive.
The past two months had been exceptional for him.
He had never enjoyed life so much. The time spent
together seemed so natural. Her parting goodbyes
were always little gems to which he looked
forward
They had taken a picnic to the riverside and she
was aware he was looking at her in a slightly
puzzled way. Have I smudged my lipstick she said
with a smile.
No he said but I have to ask, have we met before
Is that the best chat up line you can manage, I
have received better.
He was now embarrassed and she quickly said,
another life, another World? They laughed and
then she smiled at him in a different way,
pleasantly serious. He knew that smile, no mist
this time
When they returned to their cottages he waited
for her cheeky goodbye See you in church she
called……
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