They told the world that they walked besides small lakes because they liked to observe their reflections. This could have been their public lie, yet neither carried a mirror in her bag and the water gave them back their faces differently, sometimes with more shape and definition than either of them had ever known before.
Apparently home didn’t offer such shapes. Jane said this soon after they began together, and it wasn’t necessarily a criticism and Sarah agreed, but then, they never missed their walks.
Each walk began without speaking and sometimes they printed maps. If they strayed from any path to climb up into woods and beyond, then they would sense something missing, and would climb down again to sit relieved by the water, watching the light change because that was important. Sometimes they would eat, respectful of the small plaques on each bench, where loved ones were remembered by their names and dates of birth and passing.
‘John Coates, Marine Engineer 1910-56’ said Sarah.
‘Far from the sea then’ said Jane.
‘He’s still got his water,’ and Sarah helped herself to a biscuit.
Young though. Did he die at sea?
Sarah touched the plaque. ‘Lovely and warm.’
‘You’ said her friend. ‘He enjoys the late sunshine.’
They walked on, smiling at dogs and their owners, still too early to need torches.
‘’No rain thankfully’’ said One half of a couple struggling with a lively dog and a pushchair. The child pointed at the friends.
‘My dog is NEW. He’s NEW and MINE.’
‘’He is a puppy boy ‘’ said Jane and the dog barked pulling at his new lead.
‘’Cassie likes mints’’ continued the child.
‘Unfortunately I don’t have any today’ said Sarah though she did.
Neither the dog nor the child looked convinced, but Sarah touched Jane on the elbow and they both smiled and walked on.
It was nearly 5pm according to Sarah’s watch, and they could see the light was dropping,
‘’ Everything seems softer now- It’s as if the place is accepting something ‘suggested Jane.
The stood gazing across the surface of the reservoir at their shapes.
‘ In the water we are kinder, we look less certain tonight’ said Jane , ‘I think – we look more open don’t we?’
‘I hope our softness lasts until tomorrow’ said Sarah.
‘Until Christmas even ?’ and they continued to stand at the edge of the water.
