The Cloud (a short story) - Part 2

They were in the Hunter Valley for the weekend.  It was a treat to end this long awaited reunion after months of separation.  Theirs was a long distance relationship, which was complicated enough without any other obstacles, but this year had thrown another one into the mix by jettisoning the whole world into turmoil.  The Virus had put a stop to people’s freedom of movement – rightly so – and states had shut down their borders.  People retreated into solitary confinement, away from any outsiders who might be carrying, wittingly or unwittingly, the dreaded invader.  

The state he lived in was one of the first to lock out the rest of the country; in fact, he had just made it back in time from his last visit to her before he virtually heard the borders clang shut at his shoulders.

“Perhaps this is a sign, darling.  The universe has stepped in to separate us.  Who knows when we’ll see each other again?  Perhaps not until next year!”  

She was being melodramatic – very unlike her.  

“Don’t be silly, my angel!  They can’t keep the borders shut for too long, it will be devastating for the economy.  Just be patient, things will get better.”

But they didn’t get better, not for months.  In the meantime, she was stood down from her job.  And then, her father died.  She was alone – separated not only from him but also from her friends and family by the lockdowns.  He ached to be beside her, to comfort her, support her.  They spoke on the phone as often as he could manage it but there was only so much he could do from afar.  

There were times he could hear it in her voice, the letting go – of him.  He wanted to go to her, to defy the border closures, but he had obligations, commitments that could not be shirked.  The effort to maintain their telephonic relationship was straining on them both and they often bickered like an old couple.  

In the two years they had been together, they had never gone more than two months without seeing each other.  Seven months had gone by before the states finally reopened their borders.  Seven long and lonely months.

Within 24 hours he had booked his flights to go to her and promised ten whole days just for her; except for their trip to Europe last year, this would be the longest time he’d stayed with her.

“There are a lot more people here than I expected.”

Pokolbin was teeming with visitors.  The arrival of spring had serendipitously coincided with the opening of the borders.  Nevertheless, he’d expected some nervous caution among the populace.

“Are you kidding?!” She replied, “With the glorious weather we’ve been having?!  No self-respecting New South Welshman stays put when there’s a bit of sun, a cool breeze and a sniff of summer in the air.”  

She laughs and locks her arm into his as they stroll along the Gardens’ thoroughfare, stopping to peer into shop windows every now and then.

He stops to wrap his arms around her and bends down to kiss her laughing mouth.  She smiles up at him adoringly and they stand there for a moment, enjoying the rarity of each other’s closeness.  It will never be enough, they both know it. 

On the drive back to Sydney, he has a little snooze.  Whenever they’re together, his normal routine is thrown out of whack and he has to take an afternoon nap.  He knows she doesn’t mind.  Last year, in Iceland, she drove many kilometres while he slept in the passenger seat beside her.  She was only sorry that he had missed many a gorgeous scene, but admitted that she enjoyed her quiet time too.  This is why they’re so perfect together.

“What time should I book the taxi for, darling?” He calls out as he finishes his packing.

“Hhhmm, I think no later than 8:15. Half an hour to the airport then 15 minutes or so to get through security.  You’ll probably board at 9:15, I’d say, so you won’t be rushed.”

She comes into the room to hand him his laptop charger.

“You forgot this.”

“Thank you, baby.” He kisses her as he takes the cords from her hand.

She stands beside him as he zips the cables into the side pocket with his computer.  Silence takes over as he closes the suitcase.  Standing up straight, he avoids looking at her.  They are both still, processing the inevitable moment.

Slowly, he turns towards her.  The dark cloud has settled on her face this time.  He knows the angst she is feeling because it is his too.

“You know I can’t stand leaving you,” he says.

“Yes, I know.”

“If I had a choice, I would stay, you know I would.”

She doesn’t respond.

“Baby, you know there is nowhere I would rather be than with you.”

“Mmhhmm.”

“You know I love you more than anything.  More than I’ve ever loved anyone.”

She lifts her downcast gaze to look him straight in the eyes.  Her jaw is set hard.

“Yes, I know that.” She says.  “But you would hurt me a hundred times over before you would hurt her.”

The arrow strikes true and deep.  His heart clenches and aches.  He is hurt by her words but cannot respond.

“Wouldn’t you?” She asks.  “Please don’t lie to me.”

“Yes.” He says.

THE END