Love In Difficult Times

Gerald watched Elaine across the table as she carefully picked up her muffin and examined it. He looked at the clothes she was wearing and realized that her sweater was inside out. He usually made sure things like these didn’t happen, but they seemed to happen more often lately.

Their waitress, Maria, walked towards them holding a tray of milky, sweet tea (just the way Elaine liked it), a plate of delicious-looking butter cookies, and a wide smile.

“How are you doing today?” she asked brightly. Elaine flinched at the tone. Gerald looked warningly at Maria. When one had dementia, there was no saying how the day would go.

Maria took the hint, quietly placed the tray on the table, and walked away. Gerald offered Elaine the cup of tea, which she took with her hands trembling.

“When are we going to get married?” she asked.

Gerald sighed. They had been married for the last forty years.

“Soon, my love,” he said, placing his hand over hers. Elaine looked at his hand and then up at him and smiled.

“I love you, you know. You must talk to my father soon,” she said happily.

“I love you too, my dear. I love you, too,” Gerald said.

After they had finished their tea and biscuits, they walked away slowly, holding hands.