Driftwood: Part IX

Nick had a strange dream that night.  It started with Gwen and him on a boat.  They were on a lake that was as smooth as glass.  They slowly motored through the water and enjoyed feeling the wind blowing through their hair.  Nick steered the craft with one hand and, with the other hand stretched out to Gwen, he held Gwen’s hand. 

Nick stopped the boat in a cove and dropped anchor.  The mood was carefree and he felt a powerful bond with his wife.  In the dream, he proclaimed his love for Gwen.  It was as if he was courting her again.  He boosted how he would climb the highest mountain and swim the widest sea to gain her love.  Gwen rolled her eyes in a mocking fashion as she often did but smiled at him as if she were still in high school. 

Then she said, “You know, Nick, I have to go.” 

“What do you mean you have to go?”

“I’m going for a swim, silly.”

With that, Gwen removed her cover up and walked to the rear of the boat.  She stepped onto the platform and dove in.  She called to Nick to join her but he said he had to do something first.  Nick fiddled around on the boat as Gwen floated on her back.  Slowly the current pulled her away from the boat.  Nick looked up and saw she was far from the boat.  As he was about to call out to her, a noise outside the room woke him.  Now he was back in reality but his mind was still in the dream and he called out, “Gwen!”

He looked around finally realizing he had a dream.  He wanted to cry.  It was so nice to be with her again.  There was something about the dream that seemed particularly real.  He felt he could still smell her in his nostrils.  He could feel her touch still on his hand.  He was certain she had been with him. 

Though he still planned to have breakfast with Mark and Pat, he wanted some coffee.  He considered making a cup with the coffee maker in the room but he wanted to see Luz.  He dressed and headed to the restaurant.  Unfortunately, Luz was off that day.  Nick frowned but wouldn’t let that ruin enjoyment for his coffee. 

He sat at the table savoring each sip of coffee.  He looked around the restaurant and out over the hotel pool.  He noted some small lizards scurrying about and a couple large ones lounging around.  Nick was amazed there were so few people staying at the hotel.  He realized it was low season but he estimated there were 75 to 100 rooms and probably not more than 10 were occupied.  It was a pity.  It was a nice hotel, with polite and well trained staff, and it was in an excellent location.  He finished his coffee and went to his room to brush his teeth before heading to the front of the hotel to meet Mark and Pat.  He made a mental note not to get orange juice to drink.  OJ and recently brushed teeth don’t mix very well.

No sooner had he stepped through the door at the front of the hotel when Mark and Pat pulled up.  Both of them waved and Nick raised his hand to return the greeting.  Immediately after the car stopped, Pat opened the passenger side door gave him a hug and said, “Hi Nick, I’m Pat.  You two boys sit up front and chat.  I’ll hop in the back.” 

Nick started to protest but Pat was already getting into the rear seat.  Then he said, “I appreciate you picking me up.”

Mark replied, “Not a problem at all.  As I said, it’s along the way.”

Breakfast was most enjoyable.  Nick knew Mark was a likable man.  However, the two of them together made the morning just wonderful.  There was laughter and high energy from their corner of the restaurant.  Someone walking by would have thought they were long lost friends catching up after many years.  Mark and Pat shared how their life was in Costa Rica and some of the details of retiree living away from the US.  Pat told Nick he should consider moving to Costa Rica after he retired but Nick mentioned his kids.  Pat shot back with a giggle and a smile, “Bring them with you.” 

It was a jovial morning and Nick couldn’t have asked for anything more.  However, Nick asked a question that brought the mood down a notch.  He asked, “How did the two of you meet?  Were you high school sweethearts?”  In Nick’s mind, the two of them had obviously been together throughout life.  He just couldn’t see it any other way.  As soon as he asked the question, he knew something was wrong.

Mark answered, “The truth is we are both widowers.  We met in church about six years ago and one thing led to another and here we are having breakfast with you.” 

They were both widowers?  How could they be so happy?  They gave a few details of their deceased spouses and then, slowly, Nick began to share his life with Gwen and her recent death.  He openly admitted to his doubts of getting over his loss.  Pat began to speak and in her eyes Nick could see something important was about to be said.  He felt he was about to hear something he needed to hear.