The baby-breath touch of the zephyr lifted her hair, whispering softly over her cheek. She felt in harmony with this land, but she’d forgotten this summit was so popular. People had gathered to enjoy the view at this time of the full moon. and most were couples, just as she and Gavin had once been.
The journey by taxi up Kloof Nek Road had been slow and now she was here, her mood was reflective. She smiled, blissfully unaware of her surroundings, until someone turned on a small radio. The music was soft, and no-one minded the extra touch of romance on such a balmy night. She closed her eyes remembering when she was twenty and first heard that music.
She’d been newly married, and in the country less than a month. Gavin had started working in a town situated on the edge of the Transkei just after their wedding. Their relationship had caused much comment from her friends who were shocked at the rapid escalation of romance into marriage. ‘Too good looking– too good to be true’, were just some of the remarks. But she hadn’t listened. Gavin was 6 years older and so certain about what he wanted, so when he said they’d begin married life with five years in South Africa, she didn’t hesitate. She was in love.
The weather had been mild on that long-ago Christmas Eve when they’d strolled through crowds in the town’s main square. Everyone was in a festive mood, the streets festooned with greenery, bright ribbons, and Christmas decorations. At the head of the square was a cathedral with a belltower. From there, a loudspeaker was broadcasting Christmas Carols which drifted over the rooftops, adding happiness to a lovely day. Suddenly, there was a pause followed by a recording of Beniamino Gigli singing ‘Panis Angelicus’. His voice soared on high filling her with indescribable joy and slowing the bustling crowd. When the music stopped, it appeared the world held its breath for a long moment before everyone began once more to move, laugh, and speak. Gavin had kissed her as they stood in the square and promised he’d love her forever. She’d believed him.
Their first good years, and the family they’d made together, had been a comfort through many hard times. Life hadn’t always been perfect, but those early memories had been her own ‘Panis Angelicus’.
Her face still held a wistful smile when she felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see Gavin. ‘I’m sorry I’m late but the conference has ended, so we ‘empty nesters’ have the week to ourselves. We can enjoy being back here before we return to London.’
She touched his lips with her fingers, ‘Listen’.
As the last notes faded, he kissed her gently, ‘Remember me doing this a long time ago? I promised to love you forever. Now it’s just the two of us again, and you’re still my only love. Do you remember…?’
But she kissed him back. The question was forgotten. And the moment added to her memory store of the best of times.
Burnside Writers Group 