Page 16 of Autumn at the Cornish Garden Café

ROSA

Two days later, Rosa had breakfast then showered and washed her hair. It was the day of the village harvest festival so she dressed warmly because even though it was sunny, the breeze coming in from the sea could be chilly. She put on jeans, boots, a black jumper, and a scarf with a book print she’d found online, then she added her down-filled jacket and a hat. She had never attended a village harvest festival, but Vinnie assured her of plentiful food, drink, music, and produce. It was how the local community celebrated the year they’d had, the crops they’d grown, as well as health and prosperity. Vinnie had added that by ‘prosperity’ he meant an attitude of gratitude because fortune could appear in many forms and not just financial wealth.

When she was ready, Rosa went down to the shop and checked the computer for any orders that had processed overnight. Then she made a coffee and drank it while gazing out of the window. This year, more than ever, she felt she had something to celebrate and to be thankful for. Her life had transformed in the past year, but she had much to be grateful for and so she would celebrate that today as a new member of the Cornish community.

She would go down to the harbour and the village square and join in with the festival, but first she had to collect someone. She’d spoken to Christopher the day before and asked if he intended on coming to the festival and he’d seemed hesitant, so she’d insisted that he join her. It wasn’t far from his home but she didn’t want the walk to tire him out so she’d drive him in then he could enjoy the festival. The more time she spent with him, the more she felt he was becoming like a grandfather, father, and friend all rolled into one. He was kind, caring and fascinating and she wanted to know more about him and his life. Anyone who lived into their nineties had a wealth of knowledge and experience to share, and she wanted him to feel that he was appreciated and cared about, just like any of her friends.

She drove to his home and when he opened the door, his face lit up. She was glad she’d made the effort to invite him and insisted on collecting him.

‘Rosa!’ he said, as if he hadn’t been expecting her. ‘Come on in.’

Bobby bounded towards her, so she crouched down and made a fuss of him while Christopher got his coat.

‘Shall I put his coat on too?’ she asked.

‘That would be a marvellous help.’ He handed her the dog’s fleecy jacket, then the lead that she attached to his collar. ‘Thank you again for this. I can’t explain exactly how much I…’ He trailed off, and she looked up from Bobby.

‘Are you OK?’

He nodded, but he was covering his mouth with a hand, the fingers bumpy with arthritic lumps, the veins raised under the thin skin like the roots of a tree.

‘I’m OK.’ He gave a small cough. ‘I’m just … an emotional old fool. Meeting you and having you care enough to come and get me … It’s more than I deserve.’

‘What? Don’t say that, Christopher,’ she said. ‘Of course you deserve kindness and consideration. Doesn’t everyone?’

‘You, young lady, are an angel and I’m amazed someone who sees exactly how wonderful you are has not snapped you up.’

Rosa smiled but her stomach churned. If only it was that simple.

‘Unless, of course, I’m being a fool and there’s a story behind that fact that you’re single.’ He frowned. ‘I know that these days we’re not supposed to ask people if they’re married and if they have children because it’s not considered polite. In my day... well, we would have considered it a great shame for a beautiful young woman like you to be single. The children part … I understand well enough how tough that can be because, once again, in my day, everyone expected children to follow quickly if you got married. For my wife and I, that wasn’t the case as you know, but for you … Is it OK if I ask you about those things? Please tell me if I’m overstepping the mark.’

Rosa smiled at him, then she went closer and opened her arms. ‘Can I give you a hug?’

‘I … I would like that very much.’

He opened his arms too and Rosa hugged him, pressed her face against the wool of his jacket and breathed in the smell of clean washing and cologne, of toast and shaving foam and the faint aroma of old house. Her eyes filled with tears as she thought about the years Christopher had been alive, the things he’d seen and done, the loss he’d suffered and the loneliness he must feel because of that loss. If you lived to your nineties, you’d see many friends and acquaintances pass away, see many changes in society and technology, see a very different world to when you were a child. Christopher had seen so much and it made her heart ache for him but also fill with joy because he had lived a long life that many would like to have.

When she stepped back, she saw his eyes were glistening, too, and she laughed softly.

‘What is it?’ he asked, pulling a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbing at his eyes.

‘I was just thinking about how exceptional you are,’ she said. ‘Look at how smartly you’re dressed and how sweet and kind you are. I feel privileged to know you.’

‘Why young lady, the feeling is mutual. Rosa … that is the first hug I’ve had since my wife passed away.’ His lower lip trembled, and Rosa felt her face crumple.

‘That’s so sad, Christopher.’

‘Mayhap it is … but I also feel very grateful that you wanted to give me a hug.’

‘Hugs are very important,’ she said. ‘They produce endorphins which boost our immune systems and our mood.’

‘Well then, after that hug I shall surely live to see a hundred!’ He chuckled.

‘I hope so.’ She looked down at Bobby. ‘And the same goes for you, little man.’

Bobby barked and pawed at her leg.

Christopher locked his door while Rosa settled Bobby in the back of the van with his special harness then she helped Christopher to get comfortable.

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