Shipmates
by Ian Curtress
We had always promised
ourselves a cruise but the house, the mortgage
then our children, so it had been put on the back
burner.
Now the children had flown the nest and were
doing quite well, we considered whether to take
the plunge and put to sea!
We poured over brochures, ships, routes, dates
and “offers”
In fact we obtained considerable pleasure just
doing the planning, after all, it is the
anticipation which gives equal pleasure to most
occasions.
Finally we settled on the Caribbean. Wanted blue
skies, blue sea and sunshine.
All went smoothly and we were soon upping anchor.
It was like a second honeymoon and by the second
day were “old hands” at this cruise
business.
Found our way around the ship, devoured the view
from the sharp end, even found ourselves saying
“aft”
Food was excellent, the thrill of not cooking and
washing up was a plus.
We shared a table with a very nice couple,
slightly younger but seemed good company,
particularly Hetty, she said Henrietta was too
much of a mouthful.
Peter was quieter, seemed preoccupied at times
but relaxed more when on his own.
On such a confined space on a ship and dining
together we became quite close to Hetty who
seemed to be spending more time with us than she
did with Peter
On the second week we noticed a coolness between
them.
They were aware we had noticed this and in an
understanding way told us they were on the cruise
in an attempt to save their marriage.
He had been under considerable financial pressure,
Hetty was feeling neglected and they had drifted
apart.
All credit to them both, they did their best to
behave impeccably in our company.
Obviously by this time they had become friends,
particularly my Wife and Hetty and we sincerely
hoped they would sort themselves out.
On the last evening Hetty joined us for drinks
without Peter. She said he was getting back into
his dark mood thinking about the “real world”
again.
She asked my Wife if she could write to us from
time to time as she valued our friendship and my
wife agreed.
This surprised me as like most people on holiday
who meet and enjoy the company of others for a
week or two we go through the usual courtesy of
saying we must keep in touch but never get around
to exchanging addresses. It softens the goodbyes.
My Wife said it seemed unkind not to do so at a
time when Hetty seemed vulnerable.
I thought hope it doesn’t come back to bite
you but kept thoughts to myself.
We saw them just once more together when
disembarking, they waved but both looked very
downcast.
That was two months ago. We never received a
letter and my Wife wondered how things had worked
out. In my case it was a relief as I am reluctant
to become involved in others domestic problems.
This has been frowned upon in the past, my being
mildly accused of insensitivity but so often your
input is not appreciated in the long run.
We had just cleared away after Sunday lunch
yesterday when our bell rang.
Bad timing as we were pouring over our cruise
videos and reliving what had been such a happy
time.
Being a gentleman and good husband I struggled
out of my favourite chair.
I opened the door and there stood Hetty with a
very large suitcase.
I’ve left him she said as she put her case
down in the hall!
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