Affinity House

by Ruth Hay

  Faith helped by becoming an expert dishwasher loader.

  Honor had serious discussions with Eve regarding her final wishes. She was the only one given this information.

  “I do not want to spoil the lovely work these women are doing to keep me cheerful, Honor.

  Please do not share what I have said to you with them, until you must. Thank you for your help.”

  Honor was almost overcome by being the recipient of Eve’s trust and gladly took on the task to relieve Eve’s mind.

  “Anything you need, call on me at any time, Eve.”

  * * *

  On good days, Eve sat by the window for an hour and painted. At these times, she was imbued with an air of sheer delight in creating something that would survive her.

  Once or twice she requested a Sunday gathering at her bedside where she asked for the monthly house meeting to continue while a picnic meal was served on trays. She listened to the concerns of the house members and gave useful advice. In this way she maintained her role in the co-housing project and reminded them she was still alive and able to contribute.

  March passed, and a brighter April began to signal winter was finally relinquishing its grasp on the countryside.

  Vilma drove with the dogs to Andy’s farm to see the building progress. He had told her the insurance claim was finally paid, but he did not say how much money was available.

  She approached the lane to the barn with some trepidation. Astrid and Oscar were straining against their harnesses in the rear seats of the car. Their reactions were obviously based on their delight at a reunion with Andy after a long spell of missing him.

  She saw the new white fencing and the drystone wall constructed from the stones of the old farmhouse foundations.

  She saw the two-storey addition to the barn forming an L shape and marvelled at how much had been accomplished with the volunteer help of Andy’s old team.

  He was waiting for her before she cut the engine of the car. He opened up the rear door first and released the dogs who promptly engulfed him in a flurry of paws and licks and frantic circling suggesting they were saying in doggy language, ‘Come on! Let’s go!’

  He took them into the barn and closed the door before turning to greet Vilma.

  She was waiting by the car and wondering how to negotiate the ground that was a builder’s mess of mud, debris and frozen sections.

  Andy solved her problem by lifting her up into his arms and walking carefully from stone slabs to drier patches until they were inside the new extension.

  ‘My darling Vilma! It’s been too long but I know how hard things have been for all of you at Harmony House. It’s so good to see you again.”

  She was instantly enveloped in a huge hug that gave weight to his words, but she discovered there was a space inside her that was preventing her from answering him with a whole heart. It might have been the need to preserve her emotions lest Eve saw what the daily tasks of caring for her were costing. It might have been the shock of seeing how far things had progressed here at the farm in her absence. Whatever the source, she felt unable to be wholehearted with him.

  “You have been busy, Andy! I can’t believe how much you have done. Is this a double storey kennels structure? That’s unusual.”

  Andy put aside a tiny dash of disappointment at her first reaction to him, and focussed on his pride at what had been accomplished so far.

  “It was Dave’s idea to capitalize on the ground available to us. The upper level is designed for work spaces mostly. Come on up and see!”

  “He bounded up what Vilma saw as a flimsy ladder and turned to give her a hand with the last part.

  In front of her stretched an area of fifty feet or so with a sloping attic roof. It was divided by partitions into three rooms, each with two windows. On one side, the view was of the road to the barn and on the other there was a long gentle slope from the ridge to the familiar stream bordered by willows and beyond to more farmland.

  She saw something of a business office set-up in one of the sections in the loft and in the second there was a camp bed, a hot plate, a four-shelf storage unit and a sink, already plumbed in. A shiny new stove, still encased in plastic, stood waiting for electrical connections. An old easy chair that was one of the few items saved from the drowned wreck of Andy’s farmhouse, sagged in the corner by the rear window.

  She stepped over to this window and gazed at the view while attempting to control her emotions.

  Andy had moved on. He was living here. She could see no attempt to build the dream house for the two of them. This was a bachelor’s pad, a rough and ready spot for a busy, working man.

  Behind her, Andy continued speaking about his business.

  “I have several clients already. Mostly puppy training so far, but I am looking out for any dog with potential to be a competition animal. The lower level with temporary dog housing is almost completed. We gave priority to that. The bookings will come along later in the season when people want to travel south.

  Oh, and Vilma, I would like to borrow Astrid and Oscar for demonstrations to show what dogs can achieve in agility and obedience. And….” His voice rose in excitement. “I found a farmer not too far away with a small flock of sheep who is willing to let me use them to see what your Australian dogs’ instincts in herding can do. A movie of that would be a great advert for us. That won’t happen until later this month when the sheep come out with their lambs from the winter quarters.

  Isn’t that ace! Astrid and Oscar will love the exercise. They are looking a bit out of shape. Not your fault, of course, Vilma! It’s been a tough winter for all you women.”

  He stopped at last. She had neither turned around to face him nor responded to his enthusiasm.

  A jolt of fear struck him in the gut. What was going on? This was definitely not the reaction he had expected.

  Vilma waited to gather herself together. Andy had unconsciously revealed so much by his words. It was necessary now for her to confirm what she suspected.

  She turned, and to him her face was like an unreadable mask.

  “Is this what you chose to do with the insurance money, Andy? I imagine it was it not as much as you had hoped to get.”

  “Correct! The old farmhouse was not worth much in the end and the barn survived well. I decided to maximize the potential and go ahead with the build here while I had the expertise of the guys to help me. They’ve been amazing! Turning up here in all weathers for nothing more than a pot of chilli and a beer. It was much like the old days at the station. I couldn’t have done all this without them, Vilma.”

  “Yes, I can see that, Andy. You have done a great deal and your business is off to a good start. I am very glad for you.”

  In spite of her approving words, he knew there was still something lacking. Where was the Vilma who had encouraged his efforts to renew his life? Where were her smiles and her welcoming arms?

  He stepped toward her and reached out to enfold her. She sank into his embrace but it still felt as if she was holding something back.

  What Vilma Smith was fighting so hard, was her desire to weep in his arms, to ask for comfort, to make the present disappear and bring the past to life again. That past time when they were together for every decision and every idea to promote their future.

  In her heart of hearts, she had to acknowledge the hard truth.

  Andy had moved on.

  He no longer needed her.

  She would never be happy living in this extended barn loft.

  There would never be a real need for him to invest in a separate house for them.

  He was content with what he had here, and it was not a lifestyle in which she could fully participate.

  The sad truths sank down into her soul but she did not have the heart to tell him what she now knew.

  Far more kind, to let him discover all this for himself as he undoubtedly would, in time.

  For now, she would ask for nothing from him. She would not lie to him but she would be
true to herself and leave soon to lick her wounds.

  Life without Andy Patterson loomed ahead, but not quite yet. She had not yet decided which was the better route for him. Slow realization of their differences, or a quick cut and gone.

  * * *

  It was a saddened Vilma Smith who left the big red Patterson barn behind as it disappeared from her rear view mirror.

  The dogs were happy with their day.

  The chilling April winds that made their appearance as she bid farewell to Andy, had entered into her heart.

  She decided to leave the next step up to Andy. At Harmony House there were more important matters to deal with.

  Chapter 13

  Honor stopped Hilary on her way into the house after her morning in town with her ‘oldies’.

  “Hilary, could I have a word with you? I have coffee on the go. That wind is still like ice.”

  The two women went downstairs from the porch to Honor’s work and living space. Hilary gladly accepted the proffered coffee and wrapped her chilled fingers around the mug.

  “What can I do for you, Honor?”

  “It’s not for me, really. I just feel I need to let you know that Eve has entrusted me with her will and her final wishes.”

  “Oh! When was this?”

  “It was some weeks ago now. I believe it indicates how well she is prepared for her final days and I hope you are not upset because she chose me. Eve said she knew how much you were dealing with and she wanted to save you the trouble.

  She has nothing much to leave, Hilary, so I think a solicitor was not necessary. There is one thing she did want and that is something I will need help with.”

  “What is that?”

  “Eve expressed a wish to see her husband, Howard Dobrinski, one last time.”

  “Surely not! He almost killed her…… and Mavis! Why on earth would she want to see that awful man again?”

  As the words left her lips, Hilary realized how inappropriate it was to question the last wish of a dying woman.

  “I am sorry, Honor. I am just blown away by this request. My feelings are, clearly, not the important consideration in this matter. How will we accomplish this for Eve?”

  “Well, I have made enquiries. Howard Dobrinski is no longer in prison. He completed his sentence for aggravated assault rather earlier than expected. Apparently, by all accounts, he was a model prisoner.

  He remains on probation and is forbidden to approach his ex-wife but I can’t track down his current location. Do you think, Mavis, with her courthouse connections could help?”

  “I will ask her. Are you sure this is what Eve wants?”

  “I had my doubts, Hilary, but she must want to make peace with him for her own reasons.”

  In the silence while both wondered what those reasons might be, came Honor’s last and most difficult question.

  “How long do you think Eve has?”

  Hilary pursed her lips. It was a question on the minds of all the residents of Harmony House.

  “I couldn’t say for sure, but it’s probably better to try to find this man as soon as possible while Eve can still communicate her wishes to him.”

  Hilary went upstairs to see who was on duty with Eve and found Mavis seated by her bed, knitting. She looked up when Hilary entered and came over to the door to see what she needed.

  “Can Eve be left for a few minutes? I have to talk to you.”

  “She’s resting now. Jannice checked her morphine a half-hour ago. We’ll leave the door partially open in case she calls out.”

  Mavis expressed similar shock as did Hilary when she heard about Eve’s request, but her mind quickly turned toward who she would consult about finding Howard Dobrinski’s current location.

  “There will be a record of his residence since he is on probation. As I was involved in his trial evidence, I should be permitted to have the information you need.

  Leave it with me, Hilary. You go to Eve’s bedside while I make a few calls and we’ll see what happens.

  * * *

  Mavis returned to relieve Hilary after only fifteen minutes.

  Once more they stepped outside, leaving the door open behind them.

  “Did you learn anything useful?”

  “I did better than that! I found him and I talked to him.”

  “Really! That was fast. How did he sound?”

  “He sounded like a completely improved individual! He cried when I told him about Eve’s condition.”

  “No!”

  “Not only that, but before I could make a request, he asked if he could possibly come to see her and begged me to bring him to wherever he could speak to her.”

  “Mavis! Tell me you did not reveal our address to him.”

  “Of course, not! I don’t want that man turning up here in the night as he did at Camden Corners.

  Neither do I want to spend any time in a car with him.”

  “I understand perfectly, Mavis. We’ll employ a cab driver to pick him up and take him home again and we’ll restrict his time with Eve in case he upsets her in any way. Someone must be in the room with them. I suggest Vilma, since she has not had any prior nasty encounters with him.”

  “Good suggestion! Vilma will not tolerate any nonsense from him.

  “But first, I must contact his probation officer to request permission for the visit.”

  “Of course, you must. It will give us some short time to get prepared.

  * * *

  When all was managed to their satisfaction, the women held a last meeting to ensure everything possible would go well for Eve’s visit with her ex-husband.

  Mavis spoke first.

  “What we want is a quick in and out and no bad effects. I will stand by the door when he arrives. He heard my evidence in court and he knows I will not hesitate to send him back to prison if he puts one foot wrong.”

  All that remained was to set a date for the meeting.

  Jannice was consulted.

  “She will be clearer first thing in the day, but she won’t have much energy, particularly if it is an emotional confrontation.”

  “Honor got the impression it was to be about reconciliation rather than an angry shouting match.”

  “In that case, Hilary, I think you should plan for this to happen in a day or two at most.”

  Jannice’s words sent a chill through Hilary. She asked Mavis to make the arrangements and asked Jannice to inform Eve.

  “If Eve reacts badly to the idea, we will cancel the whole thing. Agreed?”

  “Of course.”

  Mavis had schooled herself to keep tight control over her feelings when she opened the front door of Harmony House to Howard Dobrinski. She had already lost a few hours of sleep over hearing his voice on the phone and she was not willing to give him any more power over her wellbeing.

  She handed him over to Vilma, as soon as his coat and hat were stowed in the closet, and retreated to her tower room to wait. Her hands were shaking from just that quick look at him.

  Vilma was surprised to see Eve’s husband. He looked much like any other man you would pass on the street without noticing. He had dark hair, combed carefully after a recent haircut. His suit and coat were worn but clean, and he had held a cap in his workman’s hands which he turned round and round, displaying his nervousness.

  Vilma led the way upstairs without saying anything.

  Jannice met him outside Eve’s door and cautioned him about his demeanour, and also, to be prepared for the shock of his ex-wife’s appearance. Vilma then went inside first, and talked briefly to Eve.

  When Eve was ready, she returned to invite Howard in. She told him she would be waiting inside the washroom in case she was needed.

  He nodded in acceptance of these precautions. It was clear to him that these women were acting together in Eve’s best interests and they would tolerate nothing that might disturb their friend.

  * * *

  Vilma heard very little of the conversation by the bedside. Voices w
ere low and slow and there were a number of pauses. She thought there might be a soft sobbing sound at one point but chose not to interrupt.

  A moment later, there was a tap on the washroom door and she found Dobrinski on the other side. One quick glance showed her Eve was still sitting comfortably, propped up against her pillows with her eyes closed. She took the man’s arm and escorted him out and downstairs to the front door. As he fastened up his coat again, he took a deep breath and asked her to thank all the women for looking after Eve so well.

  “She always had a great fear of hospitals, you know? Something to do with an accident when she was a young child. What you are doing here for Eve is wonderful. I cannot thank you enough.”

  His voice choked up with tears and Vilma watched him walk swiftly down the front path to where the cab was waiting for him.

  The household, with the exception of Faith, gathered in the kitchen for a coffee and pastry to debrief after this troubling experience. The general consensus was, that it had gone well due to their good planning.

  Jannice, who was the last to arrive, reported that Eve seemed at peace now although she was very tired.

  Since they were all together, Mavis took the opportunity to ask the question that was on everyone’s mind.

  “How long does Eve have?”

  “Not long now. If there is anything you need to say to her, I would not wait. She will soon drift off and be mostly unresponsive.”

  There was a collective gasp around the table and with a single impulse in mind, the women reached for the nearest hand and grasped it tightly.

  Honor was the first to recover. She cleared her throat to get everyone’s attention.

  “In that case, I will follow Eve’s orders, and read to you all, her final wishes, before it is too late.”

  Only Hilary was prepared for this announcement. She nodded to Honor to fetch the document and when she had left to get the elevator, Hilary proceeded to pour fresh coffee and fill in the details Honor had told her previously.