Several times I asked everyone whether they could come over to mine for New Years Eve. It used to be a family tradition to celebrate together, but of course, the children have all grown up now and have their own families and partners to think about. At first, everyone promised theyd come. But two weeks beforehand, they all started dropping out. My eldest daughter said her husband had treated her and the kids to a ski trip, so they wouldnt make it. The middle daughter was off on her honeymoon. And my youngest was working that night. And that was thatI was left on my own.
I really didnt fancy spending the evening by myself, so my neighbour from the second floor suggested a coach tour for a week, all around the country. There were plenty of fellow travellers, and on the first day, I met Alice. She was sixty-two, single like me, and had booked the trip because she didnt want to be on her own over the holidays either.
Most of the others were in groups or paired up quickly, so Alice and I ended up looking out for each other, wandering around museums together and picking out places for dinner. Wed go for walks in the evenings, chatting for hours about our children, our lives, and the lack of joy that sneaks up on you after a certain age.
Why should we put up with being lonely? I asked her. Marry me, I saidhalf as a joke, in case it wasnt what she wanted. Alright, I will, she replied without missing a beat.
I worried that when we got home shed change her mind, but nothing of the sort happened. We lived in different towns, but I offered to move in with her after we got married. I was ready to sell my flat, and we could spend the rest of our days together in comfort. Wed even go on holiday as a proper couple. I kept it quiet from the kids at firstthought Id tell them when it felt right. Once Id found a good estate agent and sent some of my things to Alice by post, I decided it was time.
You cant be serious! they protested. What do you mean, getting remarried and moving house? My eldest daughter was adamant. Dad, youre too old to go falling in love! And youre selling your flat? Weve got two kids, we could do with a bit of help ourselves.
Funny how they only remembered me, and my flat, when it became about money.
You manage to find money for ski breaks, so I reckon I can keep a bit aside for my own happiness, I told them. You wont be divvying up my estate while Im still alive and well. The other two were a little more supportivewell, tentatively so. Were happy for you, Dadsort of, mumbled my middle daughter, and her new husband nodded in agreement. But its just all so sudden and odd. Whats so odd? I said. Youre all adults, youve all got partners of your own, and I want that too. Someone to care for, and someone wholl care about me. I dont want to spend every holiday on my own, bored out of my mind. Is that how its meant to be, then? I dont think so.
There was a lot of discussion, but it mainly boiled down to the flat. They were hoping for a sale so they could split the proceeds. But Id made up my mindId use the money for myself and give them nothing.
