Kevin pulled up his company car in front of the house and, exhausted from the drive, stepped out at his own pace. He grabbed his suitcase, thanked the driver and, breathing out, announced, The welcome ceremony is about to begin.
Catherine emerged in a flowing summer dress, its bright pattern matching the late July blossoms. She loved to choose an outfit that reflected the month. While smoothing her hair, which fell in a silky cascade over her shoulders, she quickened her steps and gave Kevin a gracious smile.
Kevin, weve been waiting so long you wont believe it, Ive secured a brilliant landscape designer. Hes booked solid, but I managed to get us in, she said, excitement sparkling in her eyes.
Thomas, who had been thinking of asking, How much?, remembered the ritual required a kiss first. He obliged, planting a soft kiss on his wifes forehead.
Catherine, you look radiant, he murmured, wrapping his arms around her narrow waist. Ive missed you terribly.
Ive missed you too, she replied, leaning into him and momentarily forgetting the designer.
Is Nina at home? Kevin asked.
Shes with a friend nearby, the Darlings daughter, Catherine answered.
So its just us, Kevin said, feeling the longing keenly. He hurried to the shower, then led his wife upstairs.
Kevin, I also found a boutique. Ive already bought something I think youll love a dress thats absolutely stunning.
Can we skip the dress? he teased, pulling her close. Youre perfect just the way you are, even without any clothes on.
***
Kevin, Ive gone to great lengths, and you wont even glance at my new wardrobe, Catherine complained.
Later, Ill have a look, Thomas replied, pulling on his shoes. I hope well find something to eat without having to go out to a restaurant.
Of course, weve been waiting for you. Mrs. Anne has prepared everything, she added, referring to the housekeeper.
Oh, dear Anne, such a diligent housekeeper, Kevin thought.
Am I not the one who brings in the right people to improve our home? Isnt it my credit that we have fresh furniture? Catherine asked.
Our old furniture hasnt even had time to wear out, Thomas replied.
And the curtains? Catherine continued. Look at how they complement everything.
Catherine, I appreciate all of it, and I never shy away from supporting you financially, Thomas said, pausing so as not to hurt her feelings.
Kevin, Im heading to the salon! she exclaimed, her face flashing with a hint of panic.
Why the rush? he asked.
Its a topclass salon; I booked it a month ago. I cant be late, so dont worry, love, Nina will be here soon she asked to come with me.
Where to bring her?
To the salon, she answered.
Isnt it early for her to be in a salon?
Let the girl get used to beauty and learn to care for herself.
Shell grow up, and the lads will chase her, Thomas muttered.
Yes, but you need the ultimate touch, Catherine said, flipping her light hair in rhythm with her words.
Thomas ate his lunch alone. Soon after, Nina arrived, clutching onto her father.
Daddy! she cried, continuing the welcome ceremony. Wheres Mum?
Didnt she tell you about the salon?
Oh, shes gone! I asked her to take me, I need a manicure.
Nina, your nails are perfect, he praised.
Dad, youre joking, thats not fashionable now
I bet you just put that polish on three days ago, but a new trend has swooped in and youve swapped colours already.
Dad, really
Nina, I just finished a book
And when do you find time? You work all the time
On the road, in breaks maybe you should read something too.
Yes, I read every day, various things
I get it fashion, makeup, all that fluff
Dad, Im just a girl
Girl, girl alright, come here, he kissed her forehead, I still love you.
That evening Catherine returned, twirling as she entered, eager to show off. What do you think?
Thomas tried to guess what had changed and, to avoid a misstep, answered neutrally, Brilliant! Youre enchanting.
By nightfall he was weary, even though hed only been home for a single day.
Kevin, I forgot to tell you, Aunt Miriam called, she was worried about you
Oh, Auntie yes, I should visit her. Ill call tomorrow.
Are you going to her?
Why going? Well all go together.
Youre joking? Whats there to do in that village?
Its not a village, its a market town. Four hours by car.
I see no difference.
Too bad, Kevin muttered as sleep took him. Too bad Ill have to travel alone.
Thomas rarely liked travelling for visits, yet he never stayed long at home because of frequent business trips. Still, he felt obliged to see Aunt Miriam, who was almost like a second mother after ten years of caring.
He drove his own car to the town, rolled down the windows, and let the wind rush in, his heart light.
Auntie Miriam, you really made it? she asked, her seventyyearold smile warm and inviting. No need for any ceremony here, everythings simple.
Sorry, Aunt Miriam, I havent been by for a year. You know how it is with my trips, he replied.
Youre a restless one, she teased, patting his hair as she leaned downshe was a head shorter than him.
Sit down, Kevin, Ill feed you, she said.
He felt like a child again, being fed by a caring aunt. The table filled with modest, homecooked food.
Kevin, Im not much of a cook, youre used to restaurant meals, I suppose
Catherine and Nina love restaurants, but I prefer home. I dont enjoy being a food critic. By the way, Ill bring you some biscuits I bought on my way, he offered.
Auntie, Ive got everything, she replied.
Sorry, but youre the sort of person who deserves a treat, he said.
Miriam settled opposite him, propping her chin with her hand, watching the grownup nephew with pride. Youve done well, Kevin. Studied hard, built a career, responsible in the company.
Kevin, look at you, she sighed, always travelling, how many more miles across the country can you cover?
Mostly up north, in the Lake District, he answered.
Cold up there, she noted.
He laughed. Its warm here now.
So you live here only briefly you arrive, you leave.
After the meal, Kevin took Miriams hand, leaned forward and kissed her small, chubby palm. Thank you, Aunt Miriam, he whispered, the name sounding tender only for him.
Kevin, would you like some redcurrant squash? she asked.
Of course, your squash feels like fresh water, wiping away any fatigue, he replied.
I still worry, she sighed, youre a family man but youre rarely home isnt that hard?
He sipped the squash, smiling. Hard? No, its easy. The farther I am from my wife, the lighter I feel.
Miriams eyes widened. What do you mean? Why stay apart?
Kevin reassured her, Dont be alarmed, Aunt Miriam. This squash is something Ive never tasted elsewhere.
Its my own jam from the gardens redcurrants but why keep your distance?
If I were closer, Id have strangled her long ago, he said with a smirk.
Who? she recoiled, confused.
From sunrise to midnight, the conversations never end: which salon, which boutique, which colour, which stylist, which makeup what did Mrs. Hargreaves wear, what will Alina choose, what will the Darlings say all day, every day. So distance works better for me. I arrive, spend a little, give money, then leave. Thats all I need. Work, earn, repeat. Im content.
What about Nina? she asked.
Hes a carbon copy of Catherine. Same interests. I gave her a home library three years ago never read a word. I prefer paper, though ebooks are handy on the road. I tried to get Catherine and Nina interested, but they just scroll on their phones looking for the next nail tech, he shrugged.
Aunt Miriam, I never imagined she said, surprised, Im always for family, but in this case
No, no, Im not changing a thing. I chose my wife. Wanted beauty, got it. And I love her. I tolerate all the fuss about interiors, guests, salons, because I love her.
What about little Nina?
Shell be as beautiful as her mother, learn to present herself, marry a promising lad, and live in the chocolate, he said.
So youll be off again soon?
This time only for a month, maybe two weeks. Its fine; Ill have enough rest.
You work all the time.
Yes, dear Aunt Miriam, my work feels like a holiday.
That evening Kevin gathered his things to return home. He hugged his aunt, slipped a few pounds onto the edge of the table, and left a jar of redcurrant jam as a gift, kissing her once more before departing.
Aunt Miriam was the only person to whom he confessed that business trips brought him joy and that his life, just as his marriage to Catherine, suited him perfectly. He walked away convinced that sometimes distance brings clarity, and that contentment comes from knowing exactly what you value.
