Bittersweet Refrain

Popped into Brighton Tuesday to visit the Evening Star pub, where I lovingly sipped a pint of the Dark Star Smoked Porter, and do some visits. Bought a book from Cotswold Outdoors in Western Road, 50 Walks in Kent, as I might take up rambling in the new year.

Whilst walking along the road someone shouted out my name or something like “Oy!”. It was Lorna walking in the opposite direction towards the Starbucks coffee shop for her lunch break. I said I was going up to the Vodafone shop but I would track back afterwards and have coffee with her.

I was kind of expecting her to say something like I miss you, but all she wanted to know was, could I buy her a new laptop, a 15 inch one which is slimmer and lighter than her old one. I said to her that in my circumstances at the moment there was no way I could do that, and if she could afford to go to the Philippines by herself (which she did) then surely she could save up to get a replacement, and sell off the old one. Then she asked me for a tenner. A couple of years ago that wouldn't be a problem.

I think she might have got the hump because I realise now that Dec 5th was our wedding anniversary in the Philippines. I will send her something next week as recompense for my oversight.

Anyway, I was very disappointed in her reaction, although albeit , she did ask how I was, and how was our mutual cousin. Well I reckon that the sparkle and the love has gone. I feel very saddened about that. Then perhaps we are through, and best stay apart.

I always thought that marriage was something you had in bad times as well as the good times. And another thing that upset me was the statement that she believes that after two years of separation you automatically become divorced.. I don't think so matey!

I must admit there was an uneasy air between us that left a bad taste in my coffee.

So it is with a heavy heart that I go today back to Kent, but knowing that at least I have a cousin who appreciates what I have done for him, and for whom I am indebted for his benevolence in giving me a roof over my head, and for friends such as Georgina, whom without her I would probably be a desolate man. I also must be thankful for breaking the ice with my brother, again stemming from another tipping point last week (Tuesday in fact) that has made the rift a lot shorter.

Perhaps the New year will be the light at the end of this long tunnel of annus horribilis.