The Healer | Part 3: The Survivors

The Registrar

George

There was one more person I needed to visit before I got married. I knew I would live to regret it if I didn't.

The little church graveyard wasn't near as intimidating as it used to be, but I still hated seeing my brother's name on the plain, grey stone. I knew I needed to see him today. I couldn't have my wedding without him.

'You really ought to be here, mate,' I said once I'd arrived at the familiar grave. I let out a deep breath. 'I was counting on you keeping the ring safe for me. Actually, here, hold it for me, will you?'

I dug the ring out of my pocket and placed it on top of the stone.

'There, now you're doing your job,' I said softly.

It was quiet. For the first time that day, it was quiet. The shop had been loud and Mum had chattered incessantly the whole time I'd been at the house. I could hear the wind in the trees and the crunching of the snow under my feet.

It was quiet, but it wasn't peaceful. This place could never be peaceful so long as Fred was gone and buried just under where I was standing.

My mind was a mess. I'd only ever briefly imagined mine and Edith's wedding with Fred there, too. But not for months now. That was a dream that was now out of reach. I'd tried not to think about it since I'd proposed, knowing we'd have to do it without him there, making sure I was presentable, on time and perhaps a bit tipsy for the ceremony.

But she didn't have anyone either. I had to keep reminding myself of that. We'd made our decision. Even if she wasn't pregnant and she was finished school, we wouldn't have involved our family in our wedding. This was what we wanted.

'How could you leave me, Fred?' I asked quietly. 'What if we'd stuck together instead of separating that day? What if we'd enhanced our Shield watches to repel debris as well as spells?'

I hated this. I didn't want to think about this today. It was supposed to be a happy day.

'I wish you were here,' I kicked at the snowy ground. 'You weren't supposed to miss this. That ring's supposed to be in your pocket, not on top of your gravestone.'

On her finger is where it's meant to be.

I could hear his voice like I always could every time I'd been here. He was right. That was the whole point. I didn't need Fred to get married but that didn't mean I didn't want him and wish he was there.

Edith

George was waiting for me outside of the hospital when I finished my exam. I felt my heart flutter at the sight of him with his hair combed back and groomed better than I'd ever seen it and dressed in smart trousers and a jumper. I wondered if he'd had to hold himself back from running his hands through his hair. Now that my finals were over, I was feeling extremely anxious myself.

This was it. In just under an hour, we would be husband and wife.

'Are you ready?' He grinned when he saw me.

'Just about,' I smiled nervously. 'Just let me get changed and I'll be right back.'

My legs started to shake again as I climbed the stairs of the dormitory for what I knew would be the last time. I already had everything packed in my old leather clutch, and Angus was out hunting. He would know where to find me. He may be lazy, but he was clever.

I changed into the dark blue dress Bonnie had helped me pick out the week before. Even though we'd picked out a bigger size, there still wasn't much room left for my tummy. I pulled my hair out of its plait and let it hang loose around my face. I fixed a few pieces and then shrugged into my coat and shoes.