Catching Old Flames

As I settled down with my ritual cup of tea after dinner, I wished I had a fireplace so I could see and hear the flickering flames and the smell of the wood.

There is something so calming about letting the evening arrive with the gentle night sounds, seeing the stars and moon shine outside the window and inside the room the only light being cast were the logs burning bright in the fireplace. The sound and sight of when a log tumbles creating sparks evokes the sense of fireflies fluttering all around. If you look deeper into the flames and the molten area, images can emerge.Look – there’s that wicked tongue of flame darting out to capture something.

As a child I remember my Mum and I enjoying many a peaceful evening in front of the fire. Just the two of us. We had a very special game. We would tell a story, each of us taking a turn and taking imagination from the pictures forming from the flames. There would be a prince on his trusty steed with his red cape billowing behind him and the arrows from the pursuers darting towards him. In the stillness of the room and looking deep into the fire, it was so easy to see and feel the urgency of his flight.

Such lovely memories and as I was enjoying my reminiscence, I had a sudden thought. Although I didn’t have a real fireplace as I was now living in an apartment, I did have a television and there was a channel called Fireplace.Not having looked at this before I was quite surprised when I turned it on. It was indeed a real fire and even when I looked at it for quite some time I totally forgot it was just a computer program. The flames were dancing all around in different ways and the logs were burning down and sending up showers of sparks. It was so real. All I needed now was some soft music and let my imagination take flight.

It had been a very wet and blustery day and myriads of colourful leaves now littered the terrace. Autumn had arrived early this year and although it was lovely to see the trees changing colour, it also heralded the arrival of winter. Soon I would be lighting a fire and be snuggled up in a well worn blanket with a mug of hot chocolate. Not such a bad thought and with the day feeling rather drab, I set to in putting a match to the fire I had laid a couple of days ago. As the flame sprung to light, I settled down for a peaceful evening.

Suddenly I heard the rat-a-tat-tat on the window in the kitchen. I wasn’t that bothered about it as I had heard it many times before. There was an old tree just outside which really needed pruning. A job I had been putting off for quite a while. Now, with the wind gusting, the branches were hitting against the panes. “Well I guess that’s going to number 1 job in the morning.” I said out loud. As I was placing my cup on the coffee table, I realised that the noise had become more constant and more urgent. I wasn’t easily spooked but my hackles did rise a bit.Before I could consider if there was need for concern, there was the crash of a window breaking. Now that needed urgent attention but now my mind was going a mile a minute. Had someone broken in or had a branch on the tree gone AWOL. I stopped and listened. I could hear some rustling but if the window had been broken, that would be normal as the wind would be gusting into the house. The question was whether this was man made or nature taking its pleasure.One way or another I had to find out.

Living on my own for some time had taught me to be quite savvy. I always had my cell phone within easy reach and had programmed emergency numbers of my neighbours and relatives. Just one push of a button and I would be connected.Never had to invoke this before, but I was now wondering if this was going to be the time. I was in a bit of a quandary. Didn’t was to over-react but if there was someone in the house, the longer a dallied making the call, the more danger I could face. I was just about to push the button when an apparition appeared at the doorway. I know I must have gasped and also took a step backwards towards the fireplace. I remembered the tongs were just to the right of me and gave a quick glance behind me to ensure I was in position to grab one. In that split second, the apparition held up his hand and I stood rooted at my spot.

The world at that point just stood still. I could no longer hear the wind outside. Everything was so quiet. I almost felt as though I was standing like a bystander waiting and watching for the next thing to happen. I could see the room in great detail. Little things like a small tear in the drape which needed mending. Magazines piled up ready to be taken to the retirement home down the road. My slippers sitting idly by my favourite armchair and realizing I was in my bare feet.Not good if there is broken glass was the thought that came to mind. The figure in the doorway had not moved. The only apparent threatening gesture was his hand raised up, but from my perspective he was a dark character. Dark clothes including a hat perched at rather a rakish angle. He was also totally wet. I could see puddles forming on the floor and felt a slight annoyance.

It really is amazing how much can happen in a very short space of time.First it goes in slow motion, then it gathers speed and look out world, action is coming.

In a flash, I turned and picked up two of the tongs, one in each hand, and with a yell and brandishing them like swords and slashing right and left, I made a dash towards the figure. Reaching the doorway, the figure moved out of way and I went headlong into the next room which was the kitchen. Being at full tilt, I didn’t stop until I reached the stove. To my amazement I saw the kettle was on and singing its silly head off. Turning around I could now see my intruder. Also I could hear him. He was laughing.

“This is no laughing matter” I yelled. “Get out now or face the consequences”

Whatever was I thinking. He was much bigger than me and could easily overpower me, but my dander was up. How dare someone break into my home. My sanctuary, my special place and interrupt a perfectly wonderful peaceful sit by the fireside. No, it was just not right and I meant business.

Then I heard a familiar chuckle which I instantly recognized. It couldn’t be. That chappie was away on some adventure overseas, or so I thought.When the figure doffed his hat with a sweep I saw who it was and instead of being angry, upset and a little frightened, I just collapsed into a heap on the floor sobbing my heart out.

All the past year came flooding back. The hurt and the unanswered question of why did he leave, and why so suddenly. The year had been so wonderful and full of promise in finding a soul mate after so many years of being widowed. I thought we had such a good relationship. We certainly seemed to like the same things and we were totally at ease with one another. Our cooking episodes were quite a challenge as both of us felt we were the better cook. The end result never disappointed us and finding the right wine to complement the meal was another adventure. Afterwards, both sitting in our favourite chair, we would discuss all manner of subjects and generally putting the world to right. We had talked about the trips around the country and also further afield, but at times we were just able to sit quietly and enjoy each other’s company without any need of talk. We were just so compatible in so many ways.

I can remember how empty I felt when he suddenly told me he was going away but wouldn’t explain why. No matter how many questions I asked and how I entreated him not to go, he just steadfast in his announcement. There was absolutely no indication of anything wrong leading up to that day.We had taken a trip down to the sea and went paddling along the sand. I remember thinking he did seem a bit more quiet at the time and over dinner he was not as attentive to the meal prep as usual. The bombshell hit when we moved into the living room. Although he seemed edgy, he came to the point very quickly.He was leaving immediately. No further explanation. Thirty minutes later, the taxi arrived and he picked up his suitcases and left.

Now he was back and standing in front of me. I wanted to scream, I wanted to hurl insults, I wanted to physically harm him, but most of all I just wanted to know why. I couldn’t utter a word. I was struck dumb and I remained on the floor looking up at him with tears streaming down my face. Gradually I became calmer and when he came over and gently picked me up and led me to a chair, I was totally compliant in his hands. He then went to the stove to make a cup of tea. The usual beverage to cure all ills according to the British.

Looking around and taking stock of my surroundings, I saw there was a broken window and luckily for me with my bare feet, the glass had not scattered across the floor. There was however a very ugly looking branch poking through the window which was still swaying a bit. Quite sensibly I remarked that I would have get that seen to and quick. As I rose from the chair, my visitor gestured for me to stay put adding that he was just about to do the repair and indicated to the saw and a large board on the counter. He worked away in silence and although I wanted to ask a myriad of questions, I kept quiet. All the pent up emotions I had endured over the last year were simmering below the surface, but in my view it was up to him to start.

“Well, that’s as good as I can do right now but it will hold out the trees and the rain. But I’m guessing, you need to know a great deal more. Like why I was here in your kitchen in the first place. Let’s go back to the fire and get warmed up and I’ll fess up.”

Numbly I let him guide me back and we settled across from each other.Sipping my welcome tea, I listened to his story and the tears I had before gradually were replaced with smiles.It was going to be a very long evening for both of us, but with the fire still going strong, sending up licks of flames and fireflies, the room and myself were restored to the calm of the night.

Looking at the clock, I realised it was time for bed.

The magic of flames leaping around and the crackle of the wood had unlocked a story in me. How many more I would find in this enchanting space is yet to be known but I know it will be a delightful path to follow.

Words : 1995