The First Wife: A Short Story

by Tommy Black

  Part 2

  The dreary day was coming to an end as Mileva sat at the table eating her dinner alone. The soft snow had ended hours ago, yet the clouds continued to hang dark and low in the sky, ominously threatening a blizzard. The day had been quiet and uneventful. Eduard, her youngest son, himself an adult, had been engaging and calm all day.

  Although she was elderly, Mileva remained tasked with Eduard’s care due to his schizophrenia. Today he suffered no attacks and had been pleasant and talkative. All in all, it had been a good day, the letter from Eduard’s father notwithstanding. Having ensured Eduard ate and was now in bed, Mileva settled at the table with her dinner, which consisted of a block of cheese, some bread, and a half-filled bottle of wine. As she ate the bread, Mileva fingered the letter once again as it lay in front of her.

  Where had the time gone? It seemed as though it was just yesterday she met Albert as the two attended University in Zurich. At the time there were six students in their cohort, with Mileva the only girl. She had instantly been drawn to Albert, although he was somewhat of an outcast in the group, and five years younger. Mileva smiled as she recalled Albert’s energy and passion. He was the first person she had ever met who loved mathematics and physics as much as she did.

  The two often studied together, but Mileva was certain Albert did not have similar feelings for her until she decided to spend a semester in Heidelberg. She had been surprised by his reaction upon telling him of her plans to attend school in Heidelberg and had been just as surprised when he asked if they could write one another. Mileva could recall the day with uncanny clarity and detail, a fact that surprised her as there were few events she could recall so well.

  “Why are you so happy?” Albert asked jauntily as he bounded up the steps to where Mileva was standing, holding her mail.

  “I’ve just received my post,” Mileva replied, coyly raising her eyebrows as Albert approached.

  “Of course, I can see that. Why else would you have your mail spilling out of your hands?” Albert replied sarcastically as he bent to pick up the small parcels Mileva had dropped.

  “So,” Albert asked again, “why such a broad smile? Your entire face is alight as though you’ve just won the Nobel prize.”

  Mileva laughed. “No, not quite that good, but I have received some exciting news.”

  “Well, are you going to tell me or are we merely going to stand here awkwardly smiling at one another?”

  “Walk with me. I’ve yet to eat today and still have much to do tonight. We will talk as we walk.”

  Albert nodded, falling in step next to Mileva as they headed toward town and Mileva’s apartment.

  “As you know, these last two years have been exceptionally trying academically,” Mileva began.

  “Yes, among the most thrilling and exciting times, I’d say,” Albert responded, trying to look at Mileva as they walked slowly down the lane.

  It was a warm, sunny afternoon. The air was crisp and fresh, more so than usual for early autumn in Zurich. Mileva had fallen in love with the city and its metropolitan leanings, art movements, and exquisite food. Clutching the letter in her hand, Mileva was certain she would consider Zurich home until the day she died, although she had only been in the city two years.

  “My, I love Zurich. I believe I shall die happy here someday,” Mileva said as she looked about her.

  “Yes, it is truly a jewel,” Albert responded, “it is, it is indeed.”

  “I’ve never felt so passionate about a place before. When I’m here I don’t miss home. Oh, I do miss my family,” Mileva said quickly, noting Albert’s look of questioning. “But when I visit them, I miss Zurich just as badly.”

  “I know what you mean," Albert replied. “It’s a beautiful and warm city. I especially enjoy the eclectic mixture of cultures—German, French, Italian—all in one little city. Yes, yes, and the snow, the mountains, the lakes; they are all gloriously beautiful, agreed. Now, not to be curt, but you had a tale to tell, I believe,” Albert smiled and winked.

  “Oh, all right,” Mileva acquiesced. “I’ve received notice that I’ve been accepted to study winter semester in Heidelberg.”

  “Heidelberg?” Albert asked, sounding as though all the air had just rushed out of his lungs. “Why on earth would you want to go there, I mean, you’re doing so well here. I saw your marks yesterday, plus,” Albert seemed unaware that he was pleading, “you’ve just talked about how much you love it here. Why would you abandon me now?”

  “Abandon what?” Mileva was astonished, her heart racing.

  “I mean, oh,” Albert stammered.

  “Don’t worry,” Mileva said gently as she stopped abruptly. She turned toward Albert and allowed him to take her hands into his. Looking into his eyes, she could sense his desire. “Don’t worry,” she tried again, breathlessly, “I’ll be back. It’s simply for winter semester to augment the work I’m doing here. I’ll be back before you know it.”

  “Oh, I doubt that,” Albert said quickly. “You haven’t left, and I already miss you.”

  Mileva laughed as Albert smiled and said. “I shall be forced to call you ‘my little runaway’ if you leave me.”

  “I shall return, have no worries.”

  “Well, if you insist you must go, I must insist that you write me regularly. If you cannot guarantee to do that, I’m afraid I cannot allow you to leave me.”

  Mileva’s heart skipped and her breath caught in her throat. Was he really saying this? Instinctively, Mileva threw her arms around Albert’s neck, and the two embraced tenderly before realizing they were in public. Mileva hastily withdrew and the two quickly gathered themselves.

  “I promise,” Mileva said quietly, “I will write you as soon as I have arrived.”

  “Very well. One last thing you must promise me as well,” Albert said as he threaded Mileva’s arm through his and the two began to walk again. “You must promise to come back soon.”