What Should I Say?
By jeand
- 1514 reads
Bruce, a recent 74 year old widower, announced to his bridge partner on Wednesday. “I can't
stop smiling. I have a new girl friend. I can't even remember how to go on a date, or what to do.”
Brenda replied, “How lovely. I'm sure it will all come back to you.”
“We have the same interests, so I guess it isn't surprising that we have got together. But we also have other interests – I have my bridge groups and scrabble, and she likes doing crafts. We both enjoy the local theatre and bowls.”
“Do you act?”
“Not anymore. I help out with making the scenery and backstage stuff like that now, but I enjoy being part of it all, and so does she.”
“It's nice that you won't be so lonely now.”
“How long is it since your husband died?”
“Almost four years now. And it took me a long time to adjust. I spent most of the first year sitting at home by myself, sort of like a hermit. But I am getting out more now.”
“How long were you married?”
“Only eight years to that husband, but I had been married before.”
“We were married for 53 years, so it's no wonder I am out of practice.”
“Do your children know about your new lady friend?”
“The boys have met her and they really get along well with her. So they are pleased for us.”
Having prepared and served the tea and biscuits, I return to the bridge table.
“Bruce was just telling me his good news, Jean. Did you hear?” said Brenda.
A) Yes, I heard. Congratulations and good luck to you.
B) And what about your two daughters? I'll bet they think it is a bit soon for you to be replacing your wife. My father replaced my mother only a few months after she died, so I probably know how they are feeling.
C) I thought you liked me.
- Log in to post comments
Comments
Oh no, not Bruce!!! As to
Oh no, not Bruce!!! As to reactions, I'd go with A, possibly wanting to, but not adding B. C is the one that hit me as appropriate. Best not said out loud, though, maybe... Don't know though, you could add it in a jokey way just to make him think. What's to lose?
- Log in to post comments
What would you say?
What would you say?
I think personally I'd say something totally different, like, 'How interesting, let us know how you get on.' That way you're not being drawn into whether it's going to be a deeper relationship/friendship or some enjoyable companionship.
Who is it whose husband died 4 years ago? Rhiannon
- Log in to post comments
Oh! All those layers of
Oh! All those layers of emotion, what we say and what we think, keeping our sadnesses to ourselves.
- Log in to post comments
What webs we humans do weave,
What webs we humans do weave, Jean. Brilliant writing, more than enjoyed.
Tina
- Log in to post comments