‘14 December 1993
My dearest Marek,
Thank you for your lovely letter.
It was so nice to hear from you, although I am naturally disappointed that we won’t be seeing each other soon. I would have loved to spend Christmas with you, and it was very kind of you to ask me to visit, but my mother-in-law isn’t very well. She had a stroke, and I am all she has, so I can’t really leave her at the moment. Hopefully, when she’s a bit stronger, maybe next year, we can see each other again.
Anyway, for the time being, I can’t stop listening to Elvis’ ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ and listening wistfully to the words. I know we only met five months ago, but those words were made for us. As you always remind me, we were meant to be.
Now that we’ve known each other a little longer, I have something to tell you. I need you to know that I am nervous about a new relationship. I haven’t shared this with anyone, apart from Silvie, but my husband Harry was not a good man. I suppose it seems easier to tell you the truth as I know you’re not going to tell anyone in my village. I was brought up to never wash your dirty laundry in public. I wonder if that’s the same in your town?
Well, anyway, Harry was awful to me, so a new relationship seems scary. He used to speak to me terribly, so condescending. Then he would use all the housekeeping for betting on the horses and late nights at the pub with his friends. I had never felt so lonely in my life. He made me feel worthless by the end. I was so beaten down. Marrying a teddy boy with a big ego in the Sixties was the biggest mistake of my life. That’s why when I told you I was a widow and you said you were sorry to hear that, well, I wanted to say that it was a relief, quite honestly. But I know how awful that sounds. So, I want you to know that it isn’t that I am not falling head over heels for you, it’s just that I’m scared. I’m still building myself back up and a bit fragile. You are gorgeous and nothing like him, I know. It’s just sometimes these things leave you a little scarred. So, I suppose I want to ask you to be patient with me. I do truly love you, but I need time.
I’ve sent you a Christmas card, which hopefully you’ll receive soon. I took ages picking out the best card for you. I hope you like the verse – I mean every word of it.
With all my love, always,
Gx’
That explains why Dewi, who is such a placid man, swore when he was talking about Uncle Harry. I had no idea what poor Aunt Grace went through with him. Was I too self-absorbed to notice? I am ashamed of myself for not being perceptive enough to suspect what she was going through.
‘Oh dear, that’s terrible about her husband. I hate men like that,’ says Tomas.
‘I honestly didn’t know. I mean, he was a bit miserable, but I just thought it was his personality. I didn’t know any of this. But you have to remember that I didn’t even know she had a secret lover in Prague either. Aunt Grace kept a lot of things to herself, even her illness during her final days.’
‘It’s surprising how many secrets come out after someone has passed,’ says Albert.
‘So it seems,’ I agree.
‘That’s nice that they both loved Elvis though,’ says Tomas.
‘Yes, I remember my aunt always wanted to visit Graceland, but she had never been abroad. She felt the US was too long a flight for her.’
‘You know, Elvis brings back a nice memory for me. Marek would sit in his room listening to his songs. He thought he looked like him, but then all us brothers did.’ Albert smiles and then looks down at his hands, linked together on his lap.
I begin to wonder whether I should carry on or stop where we are. Does Albert really want to revisit the heartache of losing his brother?
‘We can leave the rest of the letters. We probably shouldn’t continue,’ I say.
‘No, please, don’t stop. I want to hear more. It’s been a long time since I thought about Marek. It’s sad, but also nice to hear his name mentioned again as though he were alive.’
‘Okay, if you’re sure?’
‘I’m sure.’
I grab the next letter that I come across, which has been opened and obviously read by Marek. I soon realise that this must have been the first letter she wrote to him after they met.
‘21 July 1993
My dearest Marek,
I hope this letter arrives safely and that I have your address correct. Hopefully, this will arrive by the time you land back home.
How wonderful it was to meet you in London last week. To be honest, I haven’t stopped thinking about it. I have never been so grateful for the rain! Who would have thought that an umbrella could bring us together. I hope you kept it safe and treasure the lucky umbrella!
It is hard to believe how much we have in common, considering we’re from different parts of the world. I suppose our shared taste in music helps. I still can’t believe Elvis is your favourite too!
Do you remember when we were sat at the tea shop? You told me stories of your family, and I told you about mine. Isn’t it funny how you are all boys and I am one of all girls? I would love to meet your brothers one day. When we get together finally, maybe we can have a family celebration with them.
