From That Day... by Winters Jade

Author:Winters, Jade
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wicked Winters Books
Published: 2022-12-07T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Ten years later

It was the week before Christmas, and everything was in full swing. ‘All I Want for Christmas’ played non-stop on the radio, the scent of pine leaves filled the air, and outside snow fell gently from the sky. All around town, people were busy shopping for last-minute gifts, wrapping presents, and putting up decorations. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood, except for one person.

That person was Edith. Edith was dreading Christmas. The eighty-six-year-old resident found the build-up to the big day incredibly stressful and upsetting. Her husband, Alfie, who had died earlier in the year, would have celebrated his ninetieth birthday on Christmas Eve. Understandably, Edith was still adjusting to life without him.

‘I wish I could just skip right to the first of January where things can finally go back to normal.’

Analise patted Edith’s hand gently. ‘I know, but sadly that isn’t an option, so we’ll have to try and make the best of it.’

‘In that case, I’ll stay in bed until it’s over.’

‘Where would be the fun in that? Your Alfie loved Christmas. Said it was the best time of the year for you both.’

Edith smiled fondly at the mention of his name. ‘It was.’

‘I’ll tell you what, how about on Christmas Eve, you and me settle on the sofa with a hot mug of cocoa and watch some of the old classics?’

‘Really?’

Analise nodded and whispered in a conspiratorial tone, ‘I’ll even throw in a few marshmallows.’

‘And a splash of whisky?’

Analise laughed. ‘You drive a hard bargain, Edith, but you’re on.’

Edith withdrew a white napkin hidden away up her cardigan sleeve and dabbed away the tears welling in her eyes. ‘Alfie always said you were a good person. His last words were that he was leaving me in good hands. I’m sure if he could see me now, he’d be happy knowing he was right.’

‘It’s an honour to care for you, Edith, as it was Alfie.’

Analise blushed with embarrassment but took comfort in the fact that Edith saw her as someone worthy of taking care of her. They spent the next few minutes talking about old memories, laughing at some of the antics Alfie used to get up to until their stomachs hurt. Even when their laughter died down and they sat in a comfortable silence, Analise knew that even though Alfie was gone, his spirit would always be with Edith.

‘Right, I’d better get back to work. I’ll pop in to see you before bed,’ Analise said before heading back to her office.

The medium-sized space was full of character, with photos of residents and staff dotted around the place. Thank-you cards took up one side of the wall, while opposite were various certificates she had received over the years. She cared deeply about her work and the people she helped. It was this passion that drove her to continue working long hours.

She would often say that her job wasn’t just a job but a calling. And it was because of this she always went above and beyond for her residents.

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