1990
Back at home, Anna and Mike are preparing themselves to run away. “It’s almost time to go, have you packed everything, Anna?” Mike asks.
“Yes Mike, I have,” Anna responds.
“Right, I’ll arrange to get Karen to collect your luggage at 1, and then at 5 we’ll be boarding a plane to Joburg. I’ll see you later. I love Anna.”
“I love you too, Mike,” Anna responds.
At their house, Emma and John are having a discussion about their earlier conversation.
“Can we talk please John,” Emma says. “Look, I’m sorry for my outburst. I know it’s painful and the Jakes really hurt you, but I think you should give the kids, or Mike, a chance. I can see he truly loves Anna, and who knows if it will work or not, at least she’ll know you warned her and you’re there for her support”
“No need to apologise Emma,” John responds. “My behaviour has been appalling, and I need to set things right with our daughter and Mike. I’ve been selfish, haven’t I? Invite the boy over for dinner tomorrow night so I can apologise to both of them.”
“Ok, John.”
“Emma!”
“Yes …”
“Thank you!”
“You welcome love,” Emma says.
1950
“Good Evening Mr Pace, may I come in?” Ted says.
“No!” Manuel responds, not wanting to entertain his wife’s boss. “Why? What is this about?”
“Something happened today,” Ted says in a soft voice.
“What? You screwing my wife? You only realising now how bad that is huh, are you?”
“No! Mr Pace. Your wife, Evelyn, I’m sure you’ve noticed that she’s lost a lot of weight and she’s been looking rather pale?”
“Notice, how was I suppose to notice when my wife spends all her hours with you? Why the hell are you here? Where’s my wife?”
“Please calm down,” Ted says. “Evelyn had a brain tumour. It had spread extensively, so I took her to the doctor.”
“You took her?” Manuel asks, furious. “Why didn’t you call me?’
“At the time, I rushed to get her to the doctor and didn’t think of anything else.’
“Where is my wife now?’
“At the hospital. She … she passed away.”
“What?”
“Yes, I’m deeply sorry for your loss. She had a brain tumour and it had spread. There was nothing the doctors could do.”
“No! No! Evelyn, no!”
“Dad, is that mommy?” Johnny asks. “Where is mommy?”
“She passed away, son,” Manuel responds. “Mommy was ill, so the Angels came and took her to Heaven!”
Ted embraces John. “I’m sorry boy, so sorry,” he says, but little Johnny cries.
“Please give us the name of the hospital, Ted.”
“No, I can take you, please.”
“You’ve done more than enough. Thank you for taking my wife to the doctor and for informing us.”
“You’re welcome, Mr pace,” Ted responds. “If there’s anything you need, I’ll help you. Please don’t hesitate to ask.”
Tell us: How do you think the relationship between Ted and Manuel is going to end up because of Evelyn’s passing?