Ive spent almost my whole pension on tonight! I thought you valued me! But you were just looking for someone to pay your way at the restaurant? Thank you, Edward! And goodbye.
Margaret stands in front of the mirror, gazing at her new dress. Navy blue, modest, but elegant. She paid almost £70 for it. That’s no small sum for a pensioner.
But Edward promised her a special evening. Said he’d arranged a surprise. She couldn’t possibly show up looking anything less than her best.
She smooths her hand over the fabric. It’s been ages since she bought herself something new. Most of her money goes to medication and the gas bill. She lives alone and counts every penny. But tonight, for once, she wants to feel pretty.
Four months ago, Margaret met Edward at the local surgery. He was sitting in the waiting room for the cardiologist, complaining about his blood pressure. Margaret sympathised and recommended a good doctor. They started chatting. He turned out to be rather charming and funny. He suggested they meet for tea another time.
After that, there were strolls through the park and cups of tea in little cafes. Although, Margaret always noticed, they went Dutch every time. Edward would say:
You know what its like, Margaret, moneys tight. I live with my daughter and the pension barely covers my grandchildrens needs, let alone mine.
She understood. Her own pension was meagre, barely stretching far enough.
As her birthday approached, Margaret said she didnt want to celebrate.
Whats the point, Ed? Im too old for all that fuss. Besides, its an unnecessary expense.
But Edward had insisted.
Margie, youve got to mark the day! Youre special. And Ive got a gift for you.
A gift? She felt a little awkward.
A surprise, he grinned mischievously. Lets go to a restaurant. Lets do it properly.
She resisted, but Edward was unyielding. If he mentioned a special present, he must be planning something wonderfulmaybe some jewellery, or theatre tickets.
So Margaret decided to buy the dress. Then she booked herself in for a hair appointmentanother £15. She even reserved a table at a nice restaurant.
On her birthday, Margaret gets up early, nervous but almost excited. She puts on her new dress and studies her reflection. Not a young girl anymore, but not a wreck either.
She visits the hairdresser. The stylist arranges her hair in soft waves. Margaret admires herself in the mirror, feeling prettier than she has in years.
She takes a taxi to the restaurantanother £7. But its her special day; she can indulge, just this once.
Edward is already waiting at the door. Hes wearing an old jacket, looking a bit crumpled. In his hand, a single, slightly wilted rose wrapped in plastic. Clearly from one of the elderly street-side sellers.
Margie, happy birthday, he says, handing over the rose.
She smiles. Thank you, Ed.
They go inside. The table is by the wall, quite cosy. The waiter hands them menus. Edward perks up.
Go on, Margie, choose whatever looks good. Dont be shy. Its your night.
She glances at the menu. The prices are high, but if Edward insists
Ill have the baked fish with vegetables and some chocolate cake, please.
Lovely choice, Edward enthuses. Ill have the same. Well celebrate together.
The waiter takes their order and disappears. Edward leans back, pleased with himself.
Hows the birthday girl?
Really quite good, Margaret answers. Thank you for making me go through with this.
Id never have forgiven myself if we skipped your special day.
Lunch arrives. They eat, chat. Edward shares stories from his old job at the factory, makes her laugh. Margaret smiles, enjoying herself.
When they finish, Edward ceremoniously pulls an envelope from his pocket.
And now, Margie, your present.
Margaret freezes, taking the envelope. Inside is a bar of chocolatethe kind found in every supermarket for less than £2.
She looks at the chocolate, stunned. Is this the special gift? All that spending, for this?
Do you like it? Edward watches her expectantly.
Yes, thank you, Margaret forces a smile.
I picked it especially. I know you like sweets.
She nods. Inside, disappointment gnaws, but she tries not to show it.
Soon, the waiter brings over the bill and sets it on the table. Edward glances at it and whistles.
Wow, £105? Not cheap!
Margaret stiffens. Hadnt he said it was her night? Surely, this meant he was paying?
Edward pats his pockets. Frowns.
Oh dear, Margie, I think Ive left my wallet at home.
She stares at him.
Left it?
Yes, honestly. Getting forgetful in my old age. You dont mind covering it, do you? Ill pay you back, promise.
Margaret cant believe what shes hearing. He turned up empty-handed.
You dont mind, do you? Edward smiles sheepishly.
She silently pulls out her purse and counts out the whole £105the last of her money for the month. She hands it to the waiter.
Thank you, love! Edward beams. Ill definitely return it to you.
They walk out of the restaurant. Edward keeps chatting, going on about his grandchildren. Margaret walks beside him silently. Numbers tumble round her head.
£70 for the dress. £15 for the hair. £105 for the restaurant. In exchange: a plastic-wrapped rose and a £2 chocolate bar.
She comes to a halt in the middle of the street.
Ed, wait.
He turns.
What is it?
Margaret looks at himat his contented face, at his tired jacket.
You know, Ed, I will remember this birthday for a long time.
Thats good! he grins. Means it went well.
You didnt give me a present, Edjust a valuable lesson.
He frowns. What lesson?
That you shouldnt trust words, only actions. Youve spent four months telling me how broke you are. You promised a special gift, and brought a chocolate bar and forgot your wallet!
He starts to protest, but she raises her hand.
I spent almost my entire pension on this evening! I thought you cherished me! But you just wanted someone to pay for your night out! Thank you, Ed. And goodbye!
Margaret turns and walks away. Edward stands there, looking baffled.
Margie, come on now! I told you about the wallet. Ill pay you back.
She doesnt look back. She marches on, holding the faded rose tightly.
At home, Margaret takes off her dress and hangs it in the wardrobe. She sits in the kitchen, makes herself a cup of tea. Glancing at the calendar, she sees two weeks left in the month, with almost nothing left in the bank.
Margaret smiles. The price of naivety hurts, but it wont happen again.
She throws the rose in the rubbish. The chocolate bar too. She cant even bear to look at them.
The next morning, Edward rings.
Margie, are you really upset? Lets meet and talk.
No, Ed. Everything that needed saying, has been said.
But honestly, I just forgot my wallet. Happens to everyone, right?
You didnt forget, Ed, Margaret says evenly. You never meant to pay. You havent paid for months.
But, you know my pensions tiny
Sos mine, Margaret cuts in. Yet I find a way to make it work. For myself and for you, too. But you just used me.
He falls silent.
Goodbye, Ed. Dont call me again.
Margaret hangs up. She soon blocks his number. Sitting at her kitchen table, she feels a surprising sense of relief. Yes, shes almost broke. But shes gotten rid of someone who only saw her as a cash machine.
A week later, she meets her friend Gladys while shopping for bread and lentilsthe last groceries she can afford. Margaret tells her friend about Edward. Gladys tuts.
Ive known men like thatalways forgetting something. Their wallet, their decency, and their manners.
They burst out laughing. Margaret heads home.
And the new dress stays in the wardrobe as a reminder: seventy years is no excuse for forgetting your common sense.
