The waiter brings us wine glasses, and Tomas tells me about the corkage fee they have. It seems other tables around us have also brought their own wine. I love the idea of bringing your own drink.
I read the label on the wine one more time. ‘1993. A good year.’
‘Indeed,’ agrees Tomas.
‘To Aunt Grace and Marek,’ I say, holding my wine glass up.
‘To Grace and Marek,’ say the others.
We take a sip of our drinks and have a moment to remember them.
‘What was your favourite memory of your aunt?’ asks Tomas.
‘Ooh, there are so many. That’s a difficult one. I loved how she treated me like a daughter, especially after my mam had died. Even though she was grieving her sister, she was there for me. I loved the way she bought me the best Christmas presents. She always knew what I’d want. Like the time she bought me the hobby horse and a Tiny Tears doll that cried. Now I look back, I’m not sure why I ever wanted a doll that cried.’
I smile as I remember the doll that I used to push around everywhere, as if it were my own baby.
‘What about you, Albert? What’s your fondest memory of Marek?’
‘Like your aunt, he was very generous. The way he bought those snow globes for us on his school trip. Of course, I didn’t realise he took one back though. He could be naughty when he wanted to,’ Albert smiles.
At this, we all raise a giggle around the table, even though Zuzana doesn’t quite understand us.
‘But, I’ll never forget his face when he told me about Grace. He looked more alive than I’d ever seen him. He’d never found the one for him, and then, finally, when he didn’t expect it, he did, and look what happened.’
I stretch my hand out to touch Albert’s. ‘I’m so sorry for what happened,’ I say.
‘It’s nobody’s fault. I realise that now. For many years I felt bitter. It was the rock and the river that took him from us. Nobody was to blame. You see, I told you, he could be naughty sometimes. He had a mind of his own. He was determined to sell anything to get back to Grace, even the trout from the river.’
‘He sounds like a character, and we all know he was much loved,’ I say.
‘Yes, he was,’ says Albert.
‘And look what he did. Strangers from far away meeting because of Marek, all these years later,’ says Tomas.
‘It’s lovely, isn’t it,’ I say.
‘For sure. We’re all here together, and I wish I could thank Marek for this,’ says Tomas. He looks over at me and smiles as he says it. I smile back at him fondly. ‘Learning so much about my uncle and meeting Olivia has meant a lot to me,’ says Tomas to Albert and Zuzana.
‘That’s nice. You really mean that?’ I ask.
‘Of course. I mean, how else would I have got the bar ready for the party?’ teases Tomas.
Albert and Zuzana are smiling as they watch us.
‘I just can’t believe I have to leave. I know I extended my stay before, but now I really have to go home.’
‘What’s stopping you from staying on?’ asks Tomas.
‘Yes, what’s stopping you?’ asks Albert.
I couldn’t possibly stay here any longer. The idea is absurd.
‘I have a home in the UK. The mill takes a lot of work to run. The pipes will be frozen. I mean, there are the gardens and badgers, the birds… Who would feed the birds?’
It takes a lot of work, especially since I have to do everything myself. In some ways, it would be nice not to have to chop wood and, instead, have a home with proper central heating. But it is home for me, and the thought of selling up because I am enjoying a holiday a little too much would never happen. Once it’s gone, I can’t get it back. I belong in Wales. I’ll also have my inheritance when I return, and I need to decide what to do with the next chapter of my life. Sat here, I realise that I’m ready to start my life again, and this time around, I am not wasting a moment on worrying what people think of me.
‘Besides, I’d have nothing to do here. I’ve done all the tourist stuff now,’ I say.
