Second Sight - a short story written by Felicity Randle.

 

Second Sight

The patient’s mottled, papery skin wrinkled as the doctor shook his hand.

‘I’ll check on you tomorrow, Mr. Freeman. Look after our patient, Nurse Ramos.’

As the doctor walked away, the nurse’s eyes followed. The patient noticed and managed a faint smile.

‘I see the new doctor has made quite an impression.’

‘He has, Mr Freeman. That man is gorgeous!’

‘Please call me Richard. We both know I’m not getting out of here. We can dispense with the formalities.’

‘In that case, Richard, call me Carmelita, and answer a personal question. Have you ever been married?’

‘Yes. I’ve been married fifty eight years.’

‘And when you first saw your future wife – did you know?’

‘Are you asking if I believe in love at first sight? The answer’s no; but I believe in love at second sight.’

‘I don’t understand.’

‘Have you got a minute, while I explain?’

‘Sure; unless my pager goes off.’

‘What if I told you my first reaction on seeing Ana was that she was well dressed – for a homeless person?’

‘I’d say I was intrigued, and you were crazy. Go on.’

‘Alright. I was on holiday in Spain with some mates, and my roommate got lucky, meaning I had to ship out while he entertained his lady friend, so I went for a walk around town. That’s when I saw her, standing by the communal bins. Very romantic. Suddenly, she bends down, grabs this rancid lump of meat off the ground and stuffs it in a carrier bag.

I had to do something. I couldn’t let her eat rubbish, so I ran over and tried to tell her not to eat it, that I would buy her a sandwich. My Spanish was awful back then, but luckily she spoke English, so she corrected me.’

‘What did she say?’

‘She explained how these lowlifes would leave poisoned meat around, for the stray animals to find and eat. I’ll never forget what she said next. “These monsters want to kill the innocent creatures, but I won’t let them. They will not succeed with this act of spite!” That’s when I had my second sight. I saw beyond Ana’s lovely face to the person within. I saw the kindness, the determination, the steel – and we fell in love.’

‘”We?” You were lucky she felt the same way.’

‘She had her second sight too. She was impressed I was kind enough to offered a homeless girl a sandwich. Also, I wasn’t bad looking, back in the day.’

‘And you were married for fifty eight years? Impressive.’

‘We’re still married, Carmelita.’

‘But you’ve been here three weeks – and she hasn’t visited you once.’

‘That’s because she’s in a care home. Doesn’t know I’m here. Hasn’t recognised me for a few years now. When I die, she won’t know a thing.’

‘I’m so sorry, Richard.’

‘Don’t be. Ana will be spared the grief. Meanwhile, I have my memories of a glorious half century with the woman I love.’