“Yes” by Doris Dembosky

Years after handing her heart to a boy who had died in The Battle of the Somme, Mildred still felt the loss of a life’s companion. Driven by the thought that ‘time and tides wait for no man,’ she wrote a short advertisement and pinned it to a church notice board in the next village. Her ad read: “Spinster, 62, wishes to meet a mature, tender man who loves books and doesn’t mind cat hair. Phone 372- 3037.” The following Sunday, standing at the back of the church, the collection plate in his hands, Malcolm read the notice. He noted her use of the word “spinster” and the bit about the cat hair. He liked the fact that she was forthright. Already he could see cat hair on his trousers and a stray cat hair in the broccoli. Despite worries that someone might listen-in on the party-line, Malcolm phoned. “Hello. My name is Malcolm. I saw your note… on the bulletin board… at St. Anne’s.” The following week, sitting in a teashop, Malcolm asked Millie if she would like a cream cake with her tea. Millie said, “Yes.” In May, Malcolm asked Millie if she would brave the wagging tongues and join him at Sunday service. Millie said, “Yes.” In July, Malcolm asked Millie if she would like to take the train to Brighton. Millie said, “Yes.” After dark on the shingle shore, Malcolm slowly unbuttoned Millie’s blouse. There was no need to ask: the surf was whispering, “Yes!”

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