Memories

57 years. 

That’s how long they’ve been together. 

Still as madly in love as they were when they first set eyes on each other. 

The alarm went off at 7am, and they would get ready to go to Reggie’s diner for breakfast. 

“Hun, have you seen my blue tie?” 

“It’s hanging up in my wardrobe, after you left it lying on the floor last week.” 

“Thanks, babe.” 

They would always dress up when popping out, whatever the occasion. Truth be told, every day was an occasion to them. They were so much in love, they never wanted to waste a single moment of it. 

It was just shy of 8am, and they left for the walk along the seafront to Reggie’s. Hand in hand, they floated down the road, with broad smiles across their faces. Their love was so evident, it was almost tangible. 

“Hey, Reg!”

“Hello guys! What will it be? The usual?”

“You bet!”

They sat in their usual booth, gazing into each others eyes, hand in hand. 

“To think this is where we met, all those years ago.”

“I know. Who’d have thought it, huh?”

They looked out of the window, at the beautiful day that greeted them. The sun was already shining, and not a cloud in the sky. It was a marvellous day. 

Breakfast was served, and they tucked in. 

Eggs, bacon, pancakes and coffee. It was a ritual to them. Nothing had changed in all of these years. Reggie even attended their wedding, 50 years prior. 

They finished up their breakfast, and left. They decided to go for a stroll along the beach. Jack took off his shoes & socks, and rolled up his trousers. Ellie took off her shoes. They strolled along the beach, reminiscing about old times. They loved the feeling of the sand, squishing through their toes. They were greeted by some pretty large seagulls, beautiful creatures, white as snow. 

It was still pretty early, but it was already warming up. 

“Hey, remember that time when I thought there was a shark in the sea?”

“Do I?! You was screaming like a girl. And it turned out to be a kid with a fin on his back! You have to laugh.” 

They decided to get some ice cream, to help with the heat. They each got an ice cream cone, and sat on the bench to lap it up. 

They were people watchers, and they loved seeing youngsters having fun and enjoying their youth. They would sometimes sit there for hours, hand in hand, taking everything in. 

They usually had a pocket camera with them, and they loved capturing the moment. They’d actually met some pretty interesting people over the years, because of their photography. They’d photograph anyone of interest, and they were especially keen on seeing people doing tricks on their bikes and skateboards. 

The day was going so well, it was just perfect. 

A bit later on in the day, they popped to see a couple of friends of theirs. A couple that had also been together forever. They had tea and cakes, and chatted for what felt like hours. They were clearly very much at ease with each other, and Jack took some photographs to cement the occasion in their minds. 

After a while, Jack and Ellie said their goodbyes, and were on their way. They decided to go down to the little fun fair on the beach, they were like big kids at heart. They loved the waltzers, and would scream as the ride built up speed. They refused to let their age get in the way of having fun. Oh no. They would be up for anything, and they were always together when they did the fun stuff. 

It had been a joyful day, and they had both had a great time. 

“Right, what next?” said Ellie. There was still plenty of day left for them to take advantage of, and they had an abundance of energy remaining for some more entertainment. 

“How about some bingo?” said Jack. They both agreed, and off they went to their local bingo hall. It must have taken them a good half an hour to finally get to sit down, after entering the hall, because they knew so many people there and they felt compelled to greet them all. They finally made it to their seats, and began their first game. They didn’t do too well at first, but then they did really well and actually won a game. As well as the 50 bucks they’d won, they also won a cuddly Teddy Bear. Ellie was ecstatic, and hugged the bear like it was a newborn baby. They stayed for a good couple of hours, and played all of their books. They never won another game, but they were happy with their winnings. 

After playing bingo, they had a couple of drinks at the bar. Jack had a Jack Daniels, neat and on the rocks. Ellie had a gin and tonic. They were their favourite tipples. They only had a couple, but they were there for some time as they chatted away with friends. After finishing up their drinks, they said their farewells and left the hall. 

By this time, the day was coming to a close. A beautiful sunset was beginning to take shape, so they decided to take it in before going home. It was a bit chilly, so Jack took off his jacket and placed it around Ellie’s shoulders. He was a true gentleman, and it was one of the things that first drew Ellie to him, all those years ago. They sat there for a good hour, taking in the sun as it magically disappeared from view. Ellie snuggled up to Jack, and drifted off to sleep.

The alarm sounded at 7am, and Ellie slowly came to life after exiting her deep sleep. Wiping her eyes, she focussed on Jack’s photo. She couldn’t believe he had been gone for 5 years. It felt almost like yesterday when she last held him in her arms. Love can be painful at times, but Ellie believed that true love conquered all. She pulled herself out of bed, to get ready to go to Reggie’s for breakfast. Ellie kept Jack alive in her heart, but things would never be the same again.