14. The Carpenters - Crescent Noon
(last verse)
The knock came earlier than Digory expected, and he hurried to open the door. "Polly!" he exclaimed delightedly, giving her a hug. "Come in! Come in!" he invited, stepping back to let her in and close the door. "I'm sorry I have nothing ready yet; I planned dinner several hours later." He gave her a quizzical look.
She chuckled upon seeing it. "Of course you did! I decided to surprise you and come early. It's been too long since we've had the chance for a good chat," she chided.
"Hmm, so it has been! I have been most remiss in this regard. Well, do be seated, unless . . ." He trailed off, pausing in contemplation.
"Unless?" she prompted him.
"Well, it is a most lovely day, and there is a park just down the street that reminds me a little of my old gardens. If you wouldn't mind a bit of fresh air and sunshine . . .?" he tilted his head in the question, and was gratified to see her answering smile.
"Why would I ever say no to that?" she asked him, and her eyes twinkled. His response was to raise his arm, and she tucked her hand in as they headed out the door.
The stroll was delightful, as the clouds had dissipated for the afternoon, and the birds seemed to be flocking in earnest. They were seated on a bench, and Digory watched the ducks showing off for their potential mates. He turned to study Polly's profile. Her hair was no longer the golden he remembered from their childhood, and her cheek was wrinkled. She turned her face toward his and caught him watching her.
"What is it?" she asked him quietly.
"I . . . It's been a lifetime since Narnia, hasn't it? It was the dawn then, for us as well as Narnia. And now it's the evening." He felt the ending of his explanation was rather clumsy, but it wouldn't matter to Polly.
"For us as well as possibly Narnia?" she asked to clarify.
Digory nodded. "I wondered . . ." he paused, turning to watch the ducks, then continued after a deep breath, "I wondered how things might have gone otherwise." He stopped, not trusting his voice, and dared a glance over at her.
Polly caught his eyes as he looked at her, and for a moment they spoke without words. "Oh, Digory," she breathed, "I don't know how things might have been otherwise. We only know what has been. But it has been a good life, for both of us, hasn't it?" She reached out and laid her slightly wrinkled hand on his.
Digory quirked the corners of his mouth into a small smile. "It has, at that." He exhaled, sighing contentedly. "In the ways it matters most, it has been good." He fell silent, thinking of an old wardrobe he once owned, and four children he took into his house a few years ago.
Polly left her hand on his until they left the park bench, and took his arm on the walk back. They walked slowly, allowing for stiff joints and tired legs, but it was a steady walk, and the cool breeze didn't chill the warmth in Digory's heart.