Everything comes down to the deed, a cheerful, plump woman in her late forties says, smiling as she watches me walk past without a greeting. Did you forget me, Vera?
Gail Im sorry, I really didnt recognise you, I answer, stopping to look at her. Its been ages since school, we never saw each other after that.
We hug former classmates and old friends, split by lifes twists. Ive stayed in my hometown, while Gillian married and moved with her husband to the Scottish Highlands.
Gail, youve put on a good bit of weight must be happiness doing that, I laugh, noting that Ive hardly changed except for a few grey hairs and laugh lines around my eyes. What wind blew you back to these parts? I thought youd have no one left here.
My cousins sister, Sophie, you remember? She was older than me
Yes, Ive run into her a few times. Why do you ask?
Shes been buried. I came for the funeral Ive got a flight out tonight. No relatives left here, really, Gillian says sadly.
Such a shame, she was a kind soul, I reply.
Vera, you wont believe who I met at the funeral, Gillian continues, Mike.
Mike? I ask, confused.
You know, the fellow you dated briefly after school. I dont know what happened between you two, but you dumped him fast
Oh, Mike. Ive heard the name, but I dont know him, I admit.
Hes a distant relative of Sophies, I think on her husbands side. Hes changed older, a bit scruffy. Weve all changed, but hes had three marriages. The first ended quickly, the second produced two boys, the younger born with a disability. He apparently couldnt cope, left his wife and children, then married again. He was the only one at the funeral, Gillian explains.
Hes always been harsh, I comment, no wonder our paths diverged. Thank God for that.
Mikes sister told me the story. Vera, she said his second wifes son was disabled, and when he abandoned the child the family condemned him. He snapped back, saying, There are plenty of women without problems, why should I suffer. Can you imagine? Gillian chuckles darkly.
I can, and Im not surprised, I reply.
We reminisce about a few other classmates, then Gillian checks her watch she has to leave and we exchange numbers. I walk home slowly, still under the spell of the meeting. I think of Mike, the boy I dated before I married Andrew.
God has led me, or rather, thanks to my father, who saw through Mikes true nature, I muse, recalling those days.
Now, at fortyseven, Im still a wellkept, respectable woman. In my youth I was a pretty girl who attracted a lot of attention, but I never chased after men; I kept things friendly.
I started seeing Mike when I was about twenty. He seemed romantic, brought flowers, took me to the cinema, walked with me. We were together for three months, and I even thought Id marry him. My father, Harold, a jovial, talkative man who could chat anyone up, often teased me about it.
Darling, why dont you invite Mike over for dinner? he suggested one evening. Weve never met the fellow youre seeing.
Alright, Dad, well bring him together, I promised.
The next day I tell him, Mike, come over. My parents want to meet you.
Fine, lets go, he replies.
When we arrive, Harold is about to sit down for supper.
Come in, lad, he says, shaking Mikes hand. Both of you, have a seat. Dont wander off until youve had something to eat. Weve got a fish on the table, and my wifes already cooking.
I feel a bit selfconscious under my parents gaze, even though were at my own home. My mother, Eleanor, has a cat named Misty. Misty roams the garden and darts in when she smells fish. As everyone sits, Eleanor places a piece of fish in a bowl for the cat.
If I dont give it to her, shell never leave my feet, she jokes, watching Misty circle around.
Harold chats with Mike while Eleanor keeps offering him bites. Suddenly Misty starts coughing; a bone has lodged in her throat. Everyone leaps up except Mike, gathers around the cat, unsure how to help.
Misty coughs, struggling, and Eleanor scoops her up, rushing outside.
Shell have to spit the bone out, Eleanor says, almost in tears, and Harold follows her.
While the family scrambles, Mike sits at the table, eating calmly as if nothings happened. We eventually retrieve the bone and Misty recovers.
Thank heavens, Eleanor sighs with relief, setting Misty back on the floor.
Oh, Misty, you gave us a fright, I laugh.
Mike, still composed, looks up and says, Whats all the fuss over a cat? Shell be fine; there are plenty of cats on the street.
Harold and Eleanor exchange surprised glances.
Do you keep a cat at home? Eleanor asks earnestly.
No, I cant stand having pets in a flat, Mike replies dismissively.
After tea, Mike suggests we go for a walk. Id like to leave his house too; Ive noticed Harolds brow furrowed, his mood sour.
We step out, but after a short while I say, Mike, Im not feeling like walking tonight. Ill head back home.
Alright, Ill see you later, he says, giving my cheek a quick peck.
I walk home to find my parents on the sofa, still talking about the evenings drama. I join them. I know my father is fair and sharp, and my mother is gentle but indirect. My father, however, doesnt mince words.
Listen, Vera, he says firmly, looking straight at me. I dont want to see that bloke near you again. Hes not worth your time.
I stay quiet; Ive already been thinking about it.
People show their true colours in different ways. You can test a man by giving him power, money, or by watching how he treats animals. Today you saw a man who didnt flinch when a cat was choking. That tells me hes unreliable and will abandon you when things get tough. End it now before it gets any deeper, Harold continues, his tone serious.
Yes, Dad, thats why I left early tonight, I admit, a little sad. I didnt like his attitude toward Misty or cats in general.
I tell Mike directly the next day that Im ending things.
Hey Vera, he greets cheerfully, leaning in as if to plant a kiss on my cheek. I step back.
Whats that about, Vicky? Showing off?
Mike, Im ending this. There wont be any more between us. Lets just be friends, I say.
Why now? Did your family not like me? he asks sarcastically.
Both. I dont want to see you anymore. I turn and head toward the house, muttering insults about him and my parents.
Good, Ive made the right choice, I think, relieved. Dad was right.
Time passes. Mike never shows up again, and Im glad. I realize there was never any love between us.
Soon I meet Andrew, fall deeply in love, marry him, raise two children, and now have a granddaughter. We live in harmony.
As I walk up to my front door, thoughts of Mike still swirl after my chat with Gillian.
I still cant shake that night. Im grateful to my father. If he hadnt invited Mike to dinner and if Misty hadnt choked, I might never have seen what kind of man he was. Maybe I would have figured it out later, but it would have cost me more, I reflect, remembering Gillians story about Mike abandoning a wife and a sick childjust like the cat incident.
