Natalie Shea
Vivian peered out the front window of the comfy cottage at the dreary weather; drizzling rain streaked the windows. She shivered and pulled her cardigan around her slight frame. Fine lines etched her porcelain skin. Vivian shook her head to break the reverie and dark hair streaked with gray fell onto her face. Glancing at her left hand, she could see the pale indentation of where the ring had been. Stooping, she lifted the chair’s skirt and ran her hands underneath, the dust causing her to cough. Noting that the ring was not there, she found it difficult to stand up straight, her back popping as she tried to right herself.
“Where could it be?” she said aloud. The words were spoken softly, echoing in the silence. The stillness closed in on Vivian. Tears burned her faded, blue eyes, threatening to spill over, but she held them back. Ron had always said she cried too easily.
Vivian made her way to the center of her home. The modest kitchen was clean and organized, but then, she rarely used it anymore, being the only one that lived in the cottage now. Turning, she scanned the counter for the hundredth time to no avail. Vivian grabbed the broom and poked it underneath the cabinets, hoping, but all she found was some dirt and a black spider. She took a shaky breath as she glanced at the clock, tears threatening to spill. Oh my, she thought, placing a hand to her cheek; her skin was so thin it was almost translucent. She would have to hurry if she wanted to get to work on time. The search would have to wait. She crossed to the door, sweeping the room with her eyes one last time, her breath catching in her throat.
Outside, she picked her steps cautiously, slowly placing one foot in front of the other on the wet pavement, taking care not to slip. She could smell the roses Ron and she had planted so many years ago as she passed by them. A flood of memories washed over Vivian, and she took a deep breath, the ache in her chest constricting. The roses were just beginning to bud; tight red spheres that made her smile despite her heartache. The day was dismal, chilly for early spring, making her look forward to the warmth of the library. She scooted slowly into the car seat, straightening the pillow she used for driving, and pulled out into the empty road. As usual, there was little traffic, but her mind was preoccupied.
The gold band must have fallen off her finger because she was becoming too thin. Ron would fuss if he saw how frail she had become, but Ron was gone. Vivian’s eyes grew hot, and she held back a sob, the steering wheel grasped tightly.
“Did you find your ring?” Nancy asked the moment Vivian walked into the library. Vivian blinked, shaking her head.
“Not yet,” Vivian said. Her voice shook, but she was able to keep her composure.
“Oh no, I’m so sorry!” Nancy said, placing a hand on Vivian’s arm.
Vivian just nodded. The gentle hum of the heater clicked on, causing the soft lights to dim for a moment. Vivian grabbed a stack of books to be shelved and tried to busy her mind so that she would not think about the missing ring. She would lose herself in her work for now despite the lump in her throat. Usually, the musty smell of the library comforted her, but today she was too worried.
The hours passed, but Vivian could not quite shake the melancholy. Closing up the library, she made her way back home. The rain had stopped but the evening was getting colder, the distant roll of thunder in the background. Vivian shivered. Her keys jingled as she searched for the right key, taking her time in the semidarkness.
Once inside, Vivian clicked on the lamp, a warm glow lighting up the modest room. Vivian breathed in the familiar aroma of home, the smell of lilac in the air. She knew she needed to eat something, but she wanted to look for the ring first. She got down onto her knees and then groaned. I’m too old for this, she thought, but she knew that it was necessary because she could not rest until she found the ring. She maneuvered herself around the room to no avail.
Oh, Ron, Vivian thought. She knew he would laugh if he could see her now, pawing around on all fours, and the thought brought a smile to her face despite her despair. Vivian grabbed hold of the wingback chair and tried to pull herself up, grunting. It took several attempts to get to her feet, every joint protesting. She let out a sigh and tried to work some of the stiffness out of her limbs, hoping the act had not bruised the delicate skin on her knees. She would try the kitchen and bedroom again. Vivian had combed the whole house several times, but her wedding band was nowhere to be found.
She sat down on the edge of the bed and kicked off her shoes, rubbing her tired feet together for a moment, relishing the air on her toes. Vivian did not even change her clothes, she just laid down and pulled the cover over her body, quivering slightly. She gulped, willing herself to fall asleep quickly. As she stretched out, Vivian felt something sharp poke her foot, causing her to start. She reached down under the blanket, fishing for the object with her right hand. As she pulled it out, she recognized the familiar shape of her wedding ring, a cry of glee escaping. She clutched the ring and pulled it close to her chest as tears streamed down her pale face, her joy evident.
“Thank heavens!” she said. Vivian’s eyes lit up, and she giggled like a much younger woman as she placed the ring on her left hand where it had rested for many years. The ring slid off her finger onto the bed and Vivian stared at the gold band for a moment, frowning slightly. With trembling hands, Vivian placed the ring in her jewelry box. It would have to stay there. She squeezed her eyes shut and took a deep breath, thinking of Ron’s lopsided grin.
“Ron,” Vivian whispered, her shoulders drooping low, every movement painful.
She closed the jewelry box and stumbled back to the empty bed.