Under the Spreading Chestnut Tree

Seagulls swept low over an ebbing tide of a silvery estuary, sparkling brightly as the morning sun rose higher, spreading its rays across glistening water and rolling hills. Squawking aimlessly amongst themselves, the gulls gathered on a shallow sandbank halfway across the estuary towards sweeping fields, trees and a single farmhouse opposite. 
     A tall ageing gentleman walked along a leaf-strewn path close to the water's edge, which circled a large park, where from time to time a few people exercised on various pieces of outdoor gym equipment, installed by the Cornish Council. A foursome of ladies played tennis not far away on the other side of the park, while a middle aged man with a pleasing smile possessing a sanguine disposition, served mugs of hot coffee, cakes, sandwiches and occasionally iced buns nearby in a small purpose-built café. His trade was reasonably brisk while the weather held fair, but now autumn was setting in, mainly locals visited the small café keeping his business afloat. It overlooked the tennis courts with a few tables and chairs spread out under a large ash tree, its leaves a deep golden colour, moistened by overnight dew.
     George usually walked at a moderate pace, hands plunged into trouser pockets, as he circled the park twice each morning. His head tended to hang down as if deep in thought and he never really smiled at anyone as they passed him by. In fact he barely uttered a 'good morning' as the other dog walkers, joggers and strollers did. He kept his head lowered, seemingly content with his own company. A small dog followed faithfully in his footsteps, never on a lead, but never straying from the path either. She was a small black and white spaniel with floppy ears and a pretty, well-shaped head. Her gait was even as her short legs moved to keep up with her owner. She possessed an inquisitive expression and hoped many a time to stop and investigate her surroundings, but it wasn't to be. Her loyalty to her owner was such that she was content enough to follow him around the tree lined path, occasionally stopping by a tree trunk to sniff before catching him up. Most days it was the same, weather permitting and George didn't bother too much to turn and see if his dog was following, but rather strolled on relentlessly, plodding one foot in front of the other.
     The ageing man was pleasantly dressed in what looked like comfortable sports clothes, as he usually paused to exercise on the gym equipment. He only managed about fifty slow strokes on the rower, then paused catching his breath before moving to the cross trainer. There he appeared to contemplate for a while longer, before continuing his walk around the park after a brief rest on a park bench. His dog sat attentively watching George, ears pricked and head cocked to one side.
     The exercise equipment beside the wide estuary was overlooked on the other side by rolling countryside and clumps of trees. Most days George indulged his thoughts while absorbed in the scenery, steadily, diligently moving the rowing bars back and forth when the weather wasn't inclement. He gazed nonchalantly out across the ebbing or flowing tide upon the hills and gentle valleys, green after constant autumn rain, A small herd of cows grazed in the faintest of morning mist. He squinted briefly to observe them, a brief smile on his weathered face. He'd been a well-to-do-farmer in his earlier life, until that too was abandoned for one reason or another.

Rob and Sarah sometimes walked through the park or around it at certain times of the year, when they weren't travelling abroad with Sarah's work schedules. Rob lived in Cornwall permanently, content with his retired lifestyle and when time permitted, walked alone on the cliff tops in winter overlooking Perranporth beach. He and Sarah strolled hand in hand taking in their environment. She was several years younger than Rob and not yet retired. They'd shared an ongoing relationship for years but never bothered to marry. Rob breathed in the cool morning air, before informing Sarah that the Canada geese would soon be visiting  again on their way south for the winter. 'It was a sight to behold', he told her with enthusiasm, 'although a noisy but fascinating event if you happen to be here at the right time.' She'd never seen such a migration as this and being interested in bird life and photography, hoped she could catch a glimpse of them one day soon. Sarah was forced to live in London for now but hoped one day to move to Cornwall.
     They passed George on the path coming towards them one morning, as a grey autumn mist hovered across the water of an incoming tide, slowly descending on the rolling hills opposite barely visible.  Seagulls wheeled above, their cries intermittent as they swept low across the water of the estuary. A herd of cows had been turned out and grazed slowly traversing a hill, ghostlike in autumn mist. The sun peered  briefly through higher wispy clouds to glisten on the water's surface, turning it a shimmering silver again.
     Rob took a deep breath and looked across at Sarah. 'You know, that man never speaks or says good morning as all the other people do. I wonder why.'
     Sarah thought for a moment before answering. 'I wonder too,' she replied, eyeing the silvery water, bringing her camera up to her eye capturing the moment. 'There must be a reason,' she sighed. ' People have all sorts of problems to deal with, good reasons and private too for not wanting to talk.'
       Sarah, like Rob was fit and active, of medium height, very attractive and with an inquisitive nature with pretty grey-streaked shoulder length hair. Although she lived a long way from Rob, only visiting several times a year, she enjoyed a change of air and scenery, where the hills appeared to sing with autumn song here in Cornwall and mists rolled in like creeping ghost from the sea beyond, herons dived to a well tuned theme, and shadows danced across distant hilltops. Clouds scudded briefly before banking into darkening skies as large tree boughs bent low towards the water. The October sun barely warmed upturned faces in the park, as gulls glided, swooped again and again to the sound of silent fish swimming. Sarah loved the park and countryside surrounding it, close to where Rob lived. She absorbed all its beauty and being near the seaside, enjoyed the best of both worlds marveling at its beauty. Autumn was her favourite season and already the trees were changing colour. Leaves fluttered down littering pathways and pavements in towns and villages. There was a small lake on the edge of the park, where she often paused, watching ducks and swans glide effortlessly upon a leafy surface, hoping she'd catch them in full flight with her camera.
     'Well I don't know,' replied Rob with a shrug. 'He's never spoken a word to me, only nodded if I caught his glance.'
     Sarah reasoned for a moment. 'Maybe he is unhappy about something,' she suggested thoughtfully. 'Or there may have been a death in his family. You never know. That sort of thing would certainly make anyone feel mournful or quiet, don't you think?'
     Rob kept walking at his usual pace, as Sarah bustled to keep up with him. 'I suppose so,' he muttered.
     'I wonder if it was possible to encourage him a little as he appeared to her sensitive about certain things. After all, he does have a very nice face and perhaps wouldn't mind if I smiled at him. Surely that wouldn't do any harm. If he doesn't want to be bothered, so be it,' she shrugged. She glanced quickly over at Rob who appeared to be considering her idea. He hardly paused, striding on towards the gym equipment, where he liked to exert himself several days a week. He wasn't young anymore, being retired now for the past year and feeling the need to keep as fit as possible with his advancing years.
     'Do you really think so?' he replied, sitting down and taking up the bars of the rowing machine. 'As I've said, he's never bothered to utter a word to me when you haven't been around. Why would he want to now?'
     Sarah smiled to herself, enjoying the challenge. 'I can only try,' she said, with a feeling of determination.
     'Try if you will, but I very much doubt it's worth the effort.' Rob rowed a little faster, slowly increasing the pace to a steady rhythm, as blackbirds whistled in ivy covered bushes nearby, their sound almost harsh upon the morning air.


Not far away grew a large chestnut tree, already beginning to shed several nuts, scattering them onto the pathway. A few young children were walking with their mothers scurrying to collect them in tiny hands, laughing as they tossed them into the air before catching them again.
     As autumn progressed, many leaves had already changed into a deep gold and orange colour. They shimmered in weak sunlight filtering through overhanging branches of a row of mature trees along a pathway, beside where small boats bobbed on a high tide, some strewn across the lake's surface opposite. Swans dipped their heads diligently into the depths looking for food, the surface rippling with their effort.
     Several days later, as the early morning quietly mellowed across the estuary, cows still grazing along its banks, George sat quietly on a seat below spreading branches of a large chestnut tree. Alone with his thoughts, he contemplated a first circuit of the park while the sun glinted through the magnificent colourful branches above. His dog lay at his feet, one eye always on her owner. George usually began his walk here, while his dog shuffled a little closer to his outstretched long legs. He muttered something to her, before they began strolling along the path towards the exercise equipment, passing the tennis courts on their way. He'd named the dog Lucy, in honour of his wife, who died tragically in a car accident a few months ago. He felt an empty loneliness after her death that gripped his whole being, seemingly inescapable. 

Perched on a park bench overlooking the estuary and the exercise equipment, Sarah shifted upon the seat, noticing George approaching some distance away. She walked over to the cross trainer, having never been on it before, watching Rob nearby, as he completed his rowing efforts.
     As she stood on the footprints of the cross trainer, feeling a little apprehensive, she remarked. 'Oh!' she laughed. ' I'm going backwards I think,' then laughed again at herself.
     At that moment, George was passing and turned his head briefly. 'You'll soon get used to it,' he said with no particular expression.
     Sarah was astonished that he'd spoken to her and not knowing what to answer, quickly replied, 'Oh do you really think so?' and smiled at him.
     'Yes!' he said walking on, his dog following closely on his heels.
     She soon got the hang of it, her legs moving up and down which seemed to her a rather jerky motion, not at all smooth as she expected.
     'I'm not so sure,' she laughed, half to herself.
     Soon Rob stood in front of her, arms folded with a strange look on his face, his mouth twisting.
     'Was I imagining it, or did old George actually speak to you?'
     She slowed her rhythm, coming to a halt. 'He did indeed,' she replied with a brief nod and smile.  'And how nice he seems too!'
     'How nice!' retorted Rob, sounding almost jealous.
     That didn't deter Sarah in the slightest. 'Yes nice,' she repeated. 'And it appears he's not a great deal older than you,' she grinned smugly
     He ignored her last comment with its innuendo. 'Perhaps it's that lovely smile of yours,' grimaced Rob. 'You can't help but have old George speak to you if you smile sweetly at him,' he admitted. 'And how do you know he's nice?' frowned Rob.
     She sat down on the bench, gazing out to sea. Seagulls were constantly soaring and circling, their raucous cries sounding like petty squabbling over food or territory.
     Sarah thought for a moment before answering. 'He has a very pleasant face and I just knew he'd say something sooner or later. It's a matter of circumstances, you see.' She smiled inwardly, feeling she'd really accomplished something and it pleased her.
     Rob relented to her natural charm, sitting beside her, grasping her hand in his. 'I'm glad he spoke to you though. Perhaps you've broken the ice after all this time.'
     'I still think he's shielding something. He appears to be guarding his feelings somehow.' She pulled her hand away from his while thinking. 'I'd really like to know, but of course it's none of my business is it?' Sarah looked down at her hands, then at Rob again. 'Come on,' she said, getting up from the seat. 'Let's walk some more. I need the exercise.' 
     She often thought it was far easier to engage in pleasant conversation by asking someone about themselves than talking about oneself. One day it may be possible to engage this strange and mystifying gentleman in brief conversation. She certainly hoped so, as it'd be a challenge she'd relish. 
     They did another circuit of the park, Sarah pausing to watch two people playing tennis, while Rob strode on as he often did. 
     'Oh I wish I could still play,' she said half under her breath, knowing her injured shoulder was no longer up to it. This always left a deep sadness inside her when she thought about it.
     'Do you?' came a quiet voice behind her.
     Sarah turned suddenly to find George standing not far behind her.
     'Yes... yes I do...' she replied hesitantly, feeling a lump rising in her chest. 'But can no longer I'm afraid, due to an injury.'
     She quickly turned the conversation around, realizing no one would be interested in hearing her woes, least of all a stranger. 'Do you play at all?' she enquired of him.
     'I used to play often with my wife, but have had a bout of cancer and alas, have lost a lot of my strength.' He looked down at his shoes, a regretful look on his face. 'It takes a while to get it back you see.'
     'Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.' Sarah didn't wish to pry, but instantly felt sorry for George. Neither she nor Rob really knew the man's proper name, but always called him George and it stuck.
     'Are you better now?' she asked, wondering if she dare inquire further.
     'Yes I think so. On the mend at last, but the worst part is losing condition and not being able to play sport. That I find, very tedious. It's the hardest thing to accept. Not so much the illness.' He spoke with a soft, almost Yorkshire accent Sarah found intriguing. 
     She watched the tennis players for a moment longer. 'I think I would too, but I understand perfectly. We tend to take our health for granted until something goes wrong.'
     He glanced over at her again, his expression one of sadness. He didn't say anything for what seemed like several minutes. Sarah shifted from one leg to another, unable to continue the conversation and feeling a little awkward.
     'Think I'd better go now,' she smiled.
     George nodded briefly and strode off in the opposite direction, while she pondered more on what he'd said.

A few days later, Rob and Sarah were discussing politics as they walked briskly along the same path surrounding the park, kicking leaves occasionally as they went. Another mist had rolled in from the sea, chilling the air around them. Sarah donned a large spotted scarf, knotting it firmly around her neck. George was already on the rowing equipment ahead of them, steadily drawing the bars back and forth.
      As they approached, she paused and looked over at him, his back turned to them, gazing out over the estuary as he rowed. Soon he slowed to a halt, sitting motionless for a time. Rob was already engaged in a piece of equipment that went from side to side, intent on achieving his usual two hundred counts each side. Sarah decided to sit on the bench and wait her turn.
     Soon George rose and noticed her sitting there and nodded briefly. 
     'A lovely morning isn't it?' she uttered, not knowing what else to say, wondering if he wanted to talk. He always looked a quiet man to her, not at all the chatty sort. His deep grey eyes were taking in her features before they once again gazed out over the water, watching a heron dive for fresh fish.
     He turned back as Rob joined her.
     'I only do about fifty strokes,' he replied, then glanced over to where Rob had been exercising.
     'Oh! Rowing you mean? Hmm... she thought. Perhaps it's because he's had cancer. She gave a little nod and smiled. 'It takes a while to get back into the swing of things,' she suggested. 
     'Do you come here most days?' asked Rob, intervening. Although he'd noticed old George  somewhere along the path many times in the past, but hadn't taken much notice. George paused before answering, taking a deep, slow breath. 'Yes, I try to do two circuits,' he answered in a forthright manner surprising them both, before becoming rather breathless.  
     How strange Sarah thought to herself, before more conversation was forthcoming from George. He was becoming quite chatty by now.
     'My wife died several months ago,' he sniffed, 'and she loved this equipment. We played a lot of tennis together you see, just over there.' He motioned with his head across the park. 'It was a shock when it happened and I've felt lost ever since,' he mused, his head lowered, eyes downcast.
      Lucy gazed up at him whimpering, as if she understood what he was feeling, not taking her eyes off George for a moment, her tail slowly moving from side to side. She'd quickly become a constant companion for him, after his wife's death, but could never take the place of his true soul mate.
     'Oh dear, I'm sorry!' Sarah was beside herself, feeling immediate compassion for George. 'It must have been a very difficult time for you  and being ill as well.' Rob agreed with her sentiments nodding briefly.
     'It has been, I'm afraid. I'm not good on my own. Some men cope well, but I feel very much alone now. I miss my wife. We were the best of friends and shared many interests.'
     His dog sat upright at his feet, a mournful expression on her  face. George bent down and gave her ears a gentle rub. He loved animals and had enjoyed running a large profitable farm in the past.
     'She was abandoned you know.' He was still looking down at Lucy. 'I found her wandering the street late at night where I live and after making several enquiries, we formed a new partnership.' 
     George straightened his back slowly. 'She seems very loyal and won't let me out of her sight for long. I like her around me and have become quite used to her. She's good company too. I don't have any immediate family, so it's just her and me in a large house, I'm afraid.' 
     The little dog gave a bark of approval, which made Sarah smile. 'What a lovely little dog you have,' she said, bending down to fondle Lucy's ears. 'I'm glad she is company for you, and hope your health continues to improve. '
     She turned to Rob. 'I think we must go now, as you have an appointment soon,' she reminded him quietly.
     'Oh! I almost forgot. Perhaps we'll see you again soon.' He motioned to George with an expression of hope, beginning to like the old boy.
     'Perhaps you will,' came a distant reply.
     Sarah took Rob's hand and as they headed in the opposite direction to where the car was parked, turned and waved to George.
    
Several weeks later after an early shop, they walked in the same park, around its circumference towards the estuary. Although the wind was a lot colder, sun bristled through the spreading branches of the chestnut tree. Many more leaves had fluttered to the ground, littering it with colours of brown, red and gold. Amongst the fallen leaves were more of its nuts, scattered far and wide by children and people walking amongst them. The bench under the tree somehow looked empty and forlorn as they strolled past. Leaves had piled up becoming damp from recent rain.
     After their brisk walk, they paused for a mug of hot coffee at the café overlooking the tennis courts. Only one other person was there reading the paper as they ordered. They sat down, zipping up the front of their coats and rubbing hands together to warm them.
     The café owner leant over the counter as he was making their coffee and announced in a quiet voice. 'You know that man who always did two circuits of the park with his little dog? The one who always sat contemplating under the chestnut tree? I often saw him there first thing.' He motioned briefly with his head towards the huge tree nearby, its autumnal branches spread wide.
     'I wonder if that's old George?' suggested Sarah looking at Rob, eyebrows raised. She looked up at Danny, the café owner. 'You mean the one with the black and white spaniel? He was tall and... well pleasant looking, sort of quiet and introvert.'
     Danny nodded. 'Yes, that's the one. His name was George I think.'
     'Well I never!' remarked Sarah. She turned back to Danny, who was putting the finishing touches to two steaming mugs of coffee. 'We always called him that, never knowing it was his real name. What were you going to say about him? Do you know him well?'
     Rob walked over to collect the coffee. He looked up at Danny whose expression had changed, becoming much more serious. 'In fact not that long ago we got chatting with him and found he'd had cancer, poor man. He was always very quiet with just me around, until Sarah showed up. I think he liked her. It was she who got him talking a bit.' He took a sip of the steaming hot coffee and sighed.
     Danny folded his arms and rested them on the counter. 'I didn't know him much at all, only that he sat there often as if contemplating on that bench over there before walking around the park several times.' He motioned with his head to the lonely looking bench not far away. 'Almost two weeks ago now, I looked up to see only the little dog sitting under it, as if pining. I went over, but he just whimpered and wouldn't move at all. Turns out his owner had just died I'm sorry to say. Heart attack you know. I found out via a neighbour who knew him and has a coffee here from time to time. The dog's name is Lucy. 'In fact... '
     'Oh I am so sorry to hear that,' said Sarah, feeling suddenly very  sad. 'We were just getting to know him. Such a nice man and the little dog was so sweet. Maybe she'll have to go to a ho...'
     Danny interrupted at that moment. 'As a matter of fact I have her right here. No one else seemed to want her.'
     He bent down behind the counter and gathering up the little dog, handed her over to Sarah who  immediately responded with delight. She had a kind and caring heart and always loved dogs.
     'She's all yours!' said Danny, depositing the dog into Sarah's arms. 'There's no way I can look after her with my lifestyle the way it is.'
     At first Sarah was bewildered and didn't know what to do or say. 'I... I really don't think I can...'
     'Of course you can,' Rob interjected, smiling at her and giving Lucy a gentle pat. 'She'll love you - and your house is large enough for two. You even have a garden for her.
     Sarah laughed. 'It isn't at all, but if you think...'
     'I most certainly do,' agreed Rob again, before she had any other thoughts on the matter. 'And when you come to visit, we can walk her here, then she'll feel at home - at least for a time.'
     Sarah laughed again. 'For a time? Well I like that! Why for a time?' she enquired of Rob, but he ignored the question as she cuddled Lucy in her arms and smiled at her. 'What do you think little one, eh?'
     The small dog appeared to welcome the idea and gave a short bark, wagging her tail at the same time, squirming in Sarah's arms, settling down comfortably.
     'You see? She is in total agreement. It's all arranged then,' Rob announced, before Sarah had anything more to say, nodding his head and grinning at his own indulgence. He thought she would be a perfect choice to look after Lucy from now on.
     Danny too felt thankful the little dog would be well looked after, but Sarah was still feeling the loss of George and would really miss him. There was a certain charm about the tall, quiet gentleman.
     'I'll miss her owner though,' Rob added, looking at Lucy, then at Sarah. She nodded briefly in agreement as Lucy settled comfortably in Sarah's arms.
     Danny stood up. 'Good! That's settled then. How about sticky buns all round?'
     Sarah was still feeling apprehensive while holding the little dog, who had happily gone to sleep in her arms. It was going to be another chapter in their lives, one she thought she'd be happy to embrace.
     Rob leant over to her. 'Don't worry my dear. I'm sure all will be well,' he said reassuringly.
     'Perhaps it will,' she answered, still thinking of old George as they sipped their coffee.
     The seat under the spreading chestnut tree was empty but for many more fallen damp leaves. It looked barren and somewhat abandoned now winter wasn't far away. A cold north wind suddenly blew in across the estuary...