So, she listened...

She listened as he explained how he had been living with another, H, for the last eight years, and how important it was that H was not caused to suffer as he had a duty to care for her, despite their relationship having ceased to be of a romantic nature long long ago. His wife of 40 years had been the only woman he ever loved and her death from cancer almost destroyed him. Then, H, a widow, befriended him - they spent much time together and for a while were physically close. He said that H 'saved my life' by getting me out and about again, being a companion to socialise with. As it seemed practical for them to live together, they arranged to do so, a situation that she was not happy with. She pleaded with him to marry her, but he insisted he could not do so as he was not in love with her. They got along well enough but it wasn't long before he realised he may have made a mistake - her spirit and her soul were not alongside his own, she would never know him that closely - yes they had enjoyed themselves on holidays and she was a good companion but beyond that - he was still alone, he could not really be himself with her in the way that his dear wife had been his best friend all those years.

So, he had resigned himself to a loveless, somewhat lonely but companionable situation at home. His many interests and friends filled his days and he had come to satisfy himself with this, never imagining - or believing - his heart would again be awakened in these twilight years. He assured her that the nature of his relationship with H was only friends - and she was right to trust him - but as time passed, the fact that H refused to accept this , would cast a shadow over them which, on that day, they could not have imagined... and she was later glad of that. For unfolding before them were the most gloriously joyous and blissful days she had ever spent in her life. Days that she has since grasped close within her memory, their light being all that kept her sinking into the darkest dark...