Love Is Stronger Than Us

Love Is Stronger Than Us

14 February

Excuse me Do you think maybe youve had enough to drink?

What? Michael startled and looked up at the young woman standing in front of him.

Im just saying, perhaps youve had enough. Not that it will help with your troubles anyway.

And what makes you think I have any troubles? I haven’t said a word to you.

You dont need to, she smiled, your face says it all. Tell you what, why dont I make you a good cup of coffee instead of serving you another vodka? We can chat for a bit too.

Michael studied her, trying to figure out her angle, before dismissively waving his hand. Let her do what she likes. Things cant get any worse.

*****

I left the animal shelter and looked around for Alice, the manager. Spying her near the dog enclosure, I nearly called out, but then thought better of it. Why shout, when I could just walk over?

Setting my tool bag on the grass, I headed to her.

Ms. Carter, do you have a moment? I asked.

Oh, its you, Michael, she turned sharply. Well, did you manage?

Nearly. I thought Id finish today, but the job took longer than expected. Ill need to return tomorrow, if that’s alright. I should be done by lunchtime, and you can settle up with me then. Sound good?

Ill be here in the morning and not going anywhere before lunch Alice smiled. And about payment? How much do I owe you?

Same as we agreed, I replied. Its my fault I didnt finish on time.

Fair enough. Shall I walk you out?

I can find my way, but if you insist, I wont argue. Let me just fetch my bag.

After grabbing my bag, I joined Alice, and we headed toward the iron gates. Id come to this animal shelter as an electrician, updating the wiring and fitting sockets in the offices. Fairly easy work, all told, and Id aimed to get it all done in three days. But with Valentines the next day tomorrow! everything felt upended.

Tomorrow I was planning something special for my girlfriend, Ellie. A candlelit supper Id cook myself, and, well I was going to ask her to marry me. My heart fluttered every time I thought about it.

No idea why I was so anxious, really. Its not as though Ellie had given me any reason to worry, but the nerves wouldnt calm down. Its just the feeling you get when proposing to the woman you love for the very first time.

Thats probably why Id lagged behind on work today my mind kept drifting to what Id make for dinner, and how, and when, Id pop the question. Was it better to propose before dinner, or after?

Id met Ellie about a year ago. At first, wed see each other after work: a café here, a walk in the park there, sometimes the cinema. Eventually, she suggested I move in with her far more convenient than each of us renting, especially as I was staying in a single-bedroom flat on the fringe of town, while she had a two-bedroom closer to the centre. It made sense, and its what couples do, after all.

Im in! I said without a seconds hesitation. Ill start moving my things over tomorrow.

Living together suited us. Ellie was bright, mischievous, beautiful. Maybe her cooking wasnt exceptional, but I could manage just fine for us: soups and roast dinners on weekends, and all thanks to my mum in the village, whod taught me in childhood.

Ellie would boast about me to her friends, sometimes bringing them home to sample my skills first-hand.

Oh, Ellie, sighed one of her mates more than once, I envy you. Michaels a godsend! Handsome, practical, cooks! Not like my Dave cant even boil an egg. Mummys boy, that one. Why haven’t you two married yet?

Thats not on me! Ellied reply with a smile. Hes the man, hes supposed to propose.

Id not introduced Ellie to my mum yet not for lack of wanting, just waiting for the right time. Id told Mum all about her, and she was eager to meet her future daughter-in-law. Once I proposed and Ellie said yes, wed travel to see her right away.

All those plans ran through my mind as Alice and I strolled to the gates. She took a detour to show me some old light switches falling out of the walls, asking if I could fix or replace them, and what it would cost.

I ran a hand through my hair, weighing it up. Id suggest replacing them. Ive a couple spares at home can bring them tomorrow. No charge.

Are you sure? I hate bothering you about money, but it all goes on food and vets.

Happy to help, I told her, then bade my goodbyes as the hour grew late.

As I bent to pick up my bag, I was stopped by an odd sensation a small paw reached through the bars of an enclosure. A beautiful cat, but clearly blind. No eyes at all.

Thats Lucy, Alice said, noticing my interest.

What happened to her?

I crouched, gently letting her touch my finger through the railings, feeling an odd jolt, like a soft electric shock, in the best way possible.

She lost her sight to an awful infection, Alice explained. She survived, thank goodness, but shell never see again.

I couldnt think what to say. Alice went on, Shes never reached out to anyone before. Not since it happened. You must have made an impression.

But she cant see mehow could I possibly?

Animals sense. Lucys special, though. But, well shes hopeless. Never likely to be adopted.

Why hopeless?

She was adopted once. Healthy then. But a year later, a young staff member found her abandoned, brought her back. I called the old owner and she acted as though she could care less. So now Lucys back, and, well, its a sad fact, but once animals come back to us, homes are rare. And with her blindnesswhod want her?

Heading home, I couldnt shake Lucy from my mind. Her little paws, those empty eyes life hadnt been easy to her. I thought about her all evening, even as I picked at dinner.

Michael, are you alright? Ellie asked, noting my distance. You seem miles away.

Sorry, just distracted by work. I need to go back to the shelter tomorrow. Shouldn’t take long.

And what about tomorrow night?

Ive got a surprise in store for you. Id like us to spend the evening at home, if you dont mind.

At home? I thought youd take me out to a restaurant. Or did you forget what day it is tomorrow?

I haven’t forgotten. But I cant do my surprise in a restaurant.

Alright she shrugged. Hope your surprise is better than dinner out.

It will be. Youll see.

After supper, I cleared up as usual, but found myself thinking about Lucy long after. That brave little cat had made her way into my heart I dreamt of her tiny paws, her gentle purr, even as Ellie slept next to me.

*****

The next day, I finished up the rewiring and replaced Alices switches. We settled the bill, but before heading out, I found myself drawn back to Lucy. As soon as I approached, she padded up to the wire and reached for me.

How did you know it was me? I smiled.

Again I let her stroke my finger, and felt that odd, pleasant spark.

We chatted me and the cat and I lost track of the time, until Alices surprised voice sounded behind me.

Youre still here, Michael?

Just talking with Lucy. Shes such a lovely creature. I cant understand how anyone could turn their back on her. Why does no one want her?

Because she isnt perfect. People want perfect pets, and Lucy Lucy is special, but not perfect. So shell be here for the rest of her days, sad to say.

She might not be perfect, but shes remarkable.

She is. But youre the only one who sees it. Even she only reaches for you.

Right then, Bob Marleys words came to mind: Who cares about perfection? Even the moon isnt perfect its full of craters. The sea is beautiful but salty and deep. The sky is endless but often cloudy. Everything beautiful is unique, not perfect. And Lucy was unique. She deserved a home not a cage.

Alice, Id like to take Lucy home, I said.

Are you sure?

Yes, really. I live with my girlfriend, so Ill need to ask her, but Im sure shell agree. Ill phone tomorrow to confirm.

Thank you, Michael, she replied, tears in her eyes. I never thought anyone would take Lucy.

*****

That evening, I prepared a romantic dinner for Ellie, heart soaring now that both my plans seemed to be coming together. If everything went well, tomorrow Id bring Lucy home too. She wasnt just any cat. She was special.

Wow! Ellie gasped upon arrival. When did you have time for all this?

I managed, I grinned.

A romantic evening?

Of course. Go wash your hands and sit down. Theres another surprise for you.

Oh, youre full of them.

While she washed up, I slipped out the ring, double-checked it, and tucked it back in my pocket. Everything was running smoothly, and that bolstered my nerve.

But things took a turn I hadnt pictured. When I told Ellie I wanted to bring home a blind shelter cat, she didnt just refuse she erupted.

Michael, are you out of your mind? Is this really all you have to talk about today a cat?!

Ellie I stammered. I just wanted to talk about it. Lucy doesnt stand a chance otherwise. I really think youd like her. Want to see a photo?

I got out my phone and showed her Lucys pictures.

No, no, and no! No ugly cat in my flat! Ive hated animals since I was a child cats, dogs, even hamsters. People should live with people, not animals.

But I

Youve managed to ruin my day completely. I expected wine, candles, and romance. Instead, I get a lecture about a hideous cat. Forget it. Eat dinner by yourself. Im off to join my friends at the pub. Spend the evening with your beast!

She stormed out. I stood in the kitchen, still clutching the ring box. This wasnt at all the night Id hoped for.

*****

I sat alone at the bar, vodka in hand, not even much of a drinker usually, but tonight I just wanted to forget. Well, thats the proposal done and dusted I thought glumly, recalling how badly things had gone with Ellie.

I didnt know what to do. I loved Ellie. I wouldnt have wanted to marry her otherwise. But Id given Alice my word about Lucy wouldnt she be waiting for me? How could I betray her, after so many had let her down already?

If I chose Ellie, Id have to give Lucy up. I doubted Ellie would want to share a home, even if we split the rent.

Excuse me, maybe you should stop drinking now? the bartender offered again.

Startled, I looked up to find the same young woman as before.

Im just saying, drinking wont solve your problems, she said gently.

What makes you think I have any problems? I havent told you anything.

You dont have to, she smiled, its all over your face. Any child could see that somethings wrong. Its Valentines. Most men are with their partner now, but here you are, alone in a bar, drinking hard. Had a fight with your girlfriend?

I did, I admitted. Id planned to propose tonight. Made dinner. Bought a ring

And she said no?

I didnt even get that far. We argued. Over a cat.

A cat?

Yes, believe it or not.

Before I knew it, Id told her everything. She listened in silence, then handed me a small, homemade Valentines card.

Whats this? I asked.

Just a little keepsake. I have a hunch youll be alright youre clearly a kind man.

I opened the card, read her words: Love is stronger than us.

I didnt quite grasp it that night, but I did realize one thing: I wouldnt ask Ellie to marry me. In fact, I couldnt carry on with her. I couldnt betray Lucy.

*****

A month later.

As Id promised myself, I broke things off with Ellie without ever proposing. I returned to my one-bedroom flat run-down, but available and moved Lucy in with me. The landlady was positively delighted to have me back, plus a cat.

Shes beautiful! she commented when dropping off the post.

Shes a stunner, I agreed. I think all cats are.

They are indeed!

Life with Lucy, sightless as she was, turned out easier than Id feared. Within days, she adapted to the flat, even learned to leap onto the window ledge. Every evening, as I got home, shed sense me, hop down, and be waiting by the door. How she did it, I will never understand. But what mattered was that she wasnt alone anymore. Now, she was happy. And I hoped my own happiness would follow.

It did, thanks to Lucy.

One Saturday a month later, while tidying up (living the bachelors life gets messy), Lucy nudged something to the floor: that very same Valentines card from the bartender. I picked it up and read again, Love is stronger than us.

That was it. I’d chosen Lucy because I loved her inexplicably but wholly. You cant command the heart. Yet there was more to it.

Holding the card, I thought about the bartender. She hadnt been as striking as Ellie, but she had a kind, sweet face and I remembered a trace of sadness in her eyes as she wished me well.

Maybe it was time I visited her.

Best go find her, I said aloud, slipping the card into my jeans.

Meow! Lucy trilled cheerfully.

That evening, after an early supper, I headed for the bar where my troubles had once been drowned. By luck, she was working that night. The place was quiet.

Evening, I greeted, sliding onto a stool.

Evening, she replied, lighting up. There was surprise and warmth in her eyes.

Nothing wrong tonight?

No, alls well. I just wanted to thank you for your kindness that night. And, if youre up for it, maybe I could walk you home after your shift, or at least we could take a little stroll?

Unexpected! But Id like that, she grinned. Im Tanya, by the way.

Michael. Pleased to meet you, properly this time.

That night, we walked and talked until dawn. Friendship blossomed into something more, and before long, Tanya moved in with Lucy.

From the word go, Tanya and Lucy were a team. They understood each other perfectly. I couldnt believe my luck, watching Tanya play with Lucy.

Isnt it wonderful, I thought, living with someone who loves animals as much as I do?

And now, Im preparing to propose to Tanya. Im anxious, of course. But I have a feeling this time, everything will be alright.