A Special First Date [Fiction]

"What should I do?" Dennis Oswald muttered to himself as he fastened a leash around his dog's neck. Just then a frail-looking woman wearing a woollen shawl around her delicate shoulders gingerly stepped out of their condo.

She smiled at her husband. Her skin was papery and pale. Her eyes were gentle, and her mouth set in a thin, soft line. Dennis smiled back, held out his hand and gently grabbed hers as he helped her down the small steps in front of their condo.

Angelique tilted her face towards the sky and closed her eyes basking in the warmth of the sun. Her husband, Dennis, cajoled her to go on a walk with him. It'd been ages since she left the house.

Dennis gazed at her, pain etched in his features at the sweetness and calm she exuded. Every moment spent with her was precious and ingrained in his memory for the times when he would feel her absence. He would reach into his memory and pull up this moment.

The elderly couple held hands like young lovers and walked slowly past a large garden close to the park. The cold morning was warmed by the sun's rays and ideal for exercising. Dennis held the leash tight so their dog wouldn't collide with people jogging past them.

His thoughts roamed around what his wife's healthcare provider had advised. "Mr Oswald, you are struggling to care for your wife on your own and it is affecting your health," said the doctor. "We can provide symptom management and improve her quality of life. Just say the word and I will arrange transportation for her."

Dennis asked for some time to consider his options. Angelique's memory was fading faster than they could manage. He loathed those days when she would wake up and panic, wondering who he was and where she was.

It was a difficult decision to live apart from his wife of forty-eight years. They had no children. His wife's only relative was her sister, Marilyn who was married with four children.

Dennis sighed as he remembered his argument with Marilyn. The discussion quickly escalated due to Marilyn's insistence that Angelique should be cared for by her family and not some hospice care.

The dog's bark drew his attention. They were close to the park. He threw a small green ball and unclipped the leash from the dog's neck to allow it to chase after the ball. He raised his head and caught sight of fresh zucchinis in a fenced garden. The owner bent over her vegetables, weeding and tending them.

Memories of the first time he met his wife, Angelique, flooded his consciousness. "Do you remember the day we first met?" Angelique asked, smiling at him. It was like she could read his thoughts.

They both sat down on one of the park's benches. "Of course, I do," Dennis replied. "It was at the old community garden on the outskirts of town. You were picking fresh tomatoes with your father and I offered to help with the watering."

Angelique chuckled. "Very bold of you. But you were so nervous that you spilled water all over me."

Dennis chuckled too. "Only because I knew your father left us to help with harvesting other vegetables. I was so captivated by your beauty that I couldn't help myself."

Angelique's smile faded suddenly as she laid her head on his shoulder. Dennis held his breath for a moment, silently praying she was still herself. He wouldn't want her to panic and make a scene if she temporarily forgot where she was.

"You know what?" He asked as an idea popped into his head.

"What?"

"Let's go home. I want to cook something special for you."

"Yea?" She beamed a wide smile.

As his wife took her medication and rested, Dennis cooked the same delicious meal he made for Angelique on their first date after the harvest at the local community garden. While the lasagna cooked in the oven, he made a call to their health provider at Tidewell Hospice.

"Mr Oswald, it's good to hear back from you," the doctor said.

"I've made up my mind. Please send a car for both my wife and me. We'll reside together at your facility. I can't bear the thought of being apart from her," Dennis' voice broke at that moment.

"I understand, Mr Oswald," the doctor replied solemnly. "You won't be the first man to live at our centre with his wife. I'll make the arrangements immediately."

Dennis nodded. "Thank you."

That evening, Dennis recreated their first date. Angelique's mind was sharp and she was all smiles. The dinner turned out to be a memorable one as they celebrated their love.

I hope you enjoyed reading this short story. It is my response to The Ink Well Prompt #103 inspired by the prompt "A Special Time".