When You’re Truly in Love, You Lose Your Mind

When love runs deep, the head unravels

Molly, could we go back to the village? I cant settle into town life. Weve been here three years and I still feel like a stranger. The fresh air would be better, and who knows, maybe youd have a baby there, James suggested to his wife.

Tom, you wont believe it, but I thought the same yesterday. Ill take the teaching post at the village school again. Perhaps a change of scenery will help us, Molly replied.

My dear Emily, its settled then! James declared.

James and Molly married four years ago. After graduating from university, Molly moved to his family farm and began teaching at the local school. Their affection blossomed there, and soon they wed.

They lived together in the hamlet for about a year before Molly had to return to the city when her mother fell gravely ill; they moved to be nearer to her. A year later her mother passed away.

James and Molly now live peacefully, loving each other, yet the absence of children weighs heavily on them, and both yearn for a child. Molly has undergone examinations, but doctors insist everything is fine.

They packed hastily, hired a van, and drove back to the village, to the cottage that belonged to Jamess mother, who lived alone.

Thank heavens! Margaret, Jamess mother, cried, waving her hands, Youre not just packing for a holiday, are you? Ive been praying, and youve heard me. The spare room is yourstheres plenty of space for everyone. We lived well before. Your father, Tom, left a year ago I miss him. I begged the Good Lord to bring you back, and here you are

James found work again in the village garage; the locals welcomed him warmly. Molly returned to the school.

Good morning, Miss Emily Clarke, the headmaster, Mr. Howard Whitfield, greeted her with a smile. Glad youre back; we have a vacancy and not many city folk want to come out here.

On Friday evening Margaret hosted a feast at her cottage, knowing the neighbours, Jamess friends, Mollys pupils and their parents would gather. Everyone was delighted that Emilyeveryone called her Emmy in the villagehad returned. The most joyous of all was Arthur, the man Margaret had rescued from the bog of an old bottleshop.

No one in the village believed Arthur would ever give up drinking, but Emily trusted him and lent a hand. Arthur burst into Margarets courtyard, saw James and his older brother, and embraced them so tightly he forgot to say hello.

Tom, is it true? The whole village is buzzing that you and Emmy have come back to our corner. I get ityoure a local, and shes a city teacher! Arthur exclaimed.

Were here for good, James said, patting Arthur on the shoulder.

Wheres she? Wheres our Emmy? Margaret asked.

James nodded, and Arthur darted into the cottage, spotted Molly, lifted her, spun her a few times, and set her gently on the floor.

Emmy! Emmy Clarke! Im over the moon! he shouted.

At the doorway, James leaned against the frame, grinning.

At last I understand everything. Expect us any time; my dear Clara will be thrilled. I must dash home; I promised my wife and daughter Id look after Veras chores. Well be waiting for you tomorrow dont be late, he called, waving as he slipped out.

She doesnt drink? Margaret asked Emily.

Never once since. He loves his daughtershes almost two now.

Whats her name?

Emily, can you guess? Its not a trick, Margaret chuckled. You ask again?

Emily? Like me? Arthur replied. Not after you, but in your honour, he added, Did you forget how you nursed her? No one believed you could turn him into a proper man

The next day, Emily and James visited Arthurs home. His wife Clara was bustling around a set table, and from a tiny room emerged a small doll with curls like Arthurs, blue eyes and chubby cheeks, shyly stepping forward.

Look, my dear, whos arrived, Arthur said, Uncle James is here, and Auntie, just like you, well call her Anny.

Hello, Anny, Emily knelt and handed the doll to the little girl.

The child clutched the doll, took Emilys hand, and led her into a bedroom.

Well, James, youve lost your wife, Arthur laughed, Shes charmed our daughter. No one else fits, she hides behind us, and now you feel a good soul.

More relatives of Arthur and Clara arrived, eight people gathered around the table, and then more villagers drifted inas if a village feast pulls the whole world toward it. Some brought pies, others jam, pickles, spirits, and a few even unfurled a battered accordion. The house rang with merriment.

Arthur rose to propose a toast to Jamess return, cup in hand but emptyno one expected him to drink.

I, more than anyone here, owe everything I have today to Miss Emily Clarke, our dear Emmy. Everyone knows the part she played in my aimless life. Yes, people whispered behind my back as I walked to the teachers house: There goes the young, educated girl, whats she got herself into? Did you see that? he scanned the room and answered himself, Yes We all saw it, but we never realized that between a man and a woman there can be more than gossipthere can be true, pure friendship. And in my heart, a secret love for Clara simmered, unknown to all.

It happened, it happened, the villagers murmured, listening intently. There were many talks then, honestly

Ill never forget the first time Emmy approached me, smiled kindly, and said, Arthur, help my pupils build birdhouses, and warned me to stay sober. I wanted a drink, you know, but I promised her and kept my word. I built two birdhouses, thought it might be a good thing, then hesitatedwhat if she asked me again and I couldnt deliver? I was angry then, yet I didnt drink, Arthur sighed, eyes sweeping the crowd.

Then Emmy came again, asked for another favor, and I was happy to help. The urge to drink grew strong, sometimes overwhelming, but I stopped, fearing shed see me drunk. I liked being useful. She urged me to take a drivers course; I passed, found work, and have been steering ever since. I returned to a sober life, he winked at the table.

I only realized when Emmy left for the city with James that anyone could build a birdhouse if asked. She was pulling me toward the light, step by step, out of a tunnel. I think we all have guardian angels; mine is Emmy. She watched, believed in me. Thank you, he bowed toward Emily, who smiled as applause rose.

When I got back on my feet, God seemed to decide I should do everything myself. If I could, I would walk on my own two feet; if not, Id crawl until the appointed time. I never let myself fall. Oh, how I missed you, Emmy. Then everything fell into place with Clara; we courted, she believed in me, and through our marriage and my daughter, I owe everything to Miss Emily. So we must all love and cherish her, with her kind heart and gentle soul. And you, James, well doneyoure admirable. Love her, and shell love you. All will be well.

Time passed. James laboured in the fields, Emily taught at the school. One afternoon she returned from class pale, legs trembling, and collapsed onto the sofa.

Emily, whats the matter? Margaret asked, surprised. You never nap in daylight. Are you ill?

I dont knowweakness, nausea, somethings off.

Margarets eyes brightened.

Perhaps youre expecting a child, dear? she suggested.

Ive stopped hoping

Never give up hope. Lets see a doctor first thing tomorrow.

Emily went to the town clinic, and the doctor confirmed the news.

Congratulations, youll have a baby. See? I told you

James was returning from work when he burst through the door, saw his radiant wife, and embraced her.

Look at that smileno need for words, its written all over your face, he laughed.

Later that night an ambulance whisked Emily to the district maternity ward; James rode beside her. She gave birth to a son in the quiet of night. At dawn, Margaret arrived at the ward, sat beside the crib, and whispered.

Mum, its wonderfulEmmys son is here. Mum, I cant believe this is happening to me. I love Emily so fiercely it sometimes scares me. Is this normal?

Its perfectly normal, love, Margaret replied, smiling at the baby. When you truly love, you lose your head.

They brought Emmy and her son home; Margaret helped with the chores, while her own mother watched the child, thinking: He looks like a man, but inside hes still a child.

All was blissful. Soon Emmy welcomed a daughter, adding even more joy.

James completed his degree by correspondence and now serves as head agronomist. He was offered the role of school headmaster, but Emily hesitated, unsure of the path ahead.