The Camden Tales

26 - Disapproval

-=₪ June 1924 ₪=-

Home / 150 Camden Street / 5.59am

The morning sun had barely begun to rise as Alfie climbed out of bed and looked about the dimly lit bedroom. He glanced over his shoulder to Malka who continued to sleep soundly, but knew she'd wake soon and in all likely, would be keen to get up and start her day.

Alfie was keen, however, for his wife to remain in bed for the day and to rest. Which meant he needed to find an activity to keep her there. Considering this, he put on his dressing gown and left the room.

His journey led to Malka's favourite room in the Solomons home, the library. As he stood amongst the floor to ceiling shelves filled with books, he decided reading to her would be the perfect activity.

As he scanned the shelves he thought of how happy his wife had been reading to him at his hospital bedside a month or so ago. Now, he could read to her, but with so many leather-bound books with gold printed spines occupying the walls, he found choosing one impossible. He didn't know where to start, but knew he wanted to make a good choice, something they could enjoy, together.

Then, on the table by the fireplace, he noticed a green leather book. Picking it up he read the bright gold lettering across its cover, Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift.

-●=»>◆<«=●-

Home / 150 Camden Street / 7.43am

The drapes had been opened in the master bedroom and Malka had refused another meal as her breakfast tray laid on the floor untouched.

The summer sun sparkled off a glass of water which sat on the nightstand next to a small vase of English Daisies. Ollie had brought them round that morning as a gift before work.

Alfie had eaten his breakfast and now laid on the bed, fully clothed, with the book he had chosen from the library. Malka was curled up next to him, still under the sheets and looking at the book contently. Alfie had his arm around her as he read outloud.

"I winked at my own littleness, as people do at their own faults." he read and then promptly scoffed.

Malka smiled, but her smile soon faded as Alfie didn't continue to read. She glanced up to see him looking a little sad. Alfie freed her of his hold, put the marker in the book and placed it on his nightstand. Malka sat up, confused.

"What's wrong Alfie?" she asked hoarsely.

"Malka." he said solemnly, "I know why you did what you did."

She watched her husband avoid her eye as he spoke.

"But, I need to ask you to not... do these things... for me."

Malka knew he was referring to Marco and became instantly annoyed. 

"You killed Buck for me and did a stretch for it!" she said with irritation at his hypocrisy.

"And the only reason I wasn't hung is due to my gallantry fucking medals, Malka!" he stated with exasperation.

"I have medals." she mumbled, knowing full well hers would mean nothing in a reverse situation.

"We got so lucky, love." he stated lowly.

Malka felt herself soften at his words and took hold of his hand.

"It's been a long time since I've done--."

"There is a reason for that, love." Alfie interrupted.

"But I couldn't let this go, it came right from my gut, he had to fucking go!" she finished the sentence through gritted teeth.