I am Helen and my husband is James. We have both recently taken early retirement. Our plan was to work until sixty-five but the sudden unexpected death of my brother William six months ago shocked us so much that we thought we should make the most of what time we had left. We are both fifty-eight and he died young at sixty-six of a heart attack. He was a keen runner and was at the gym two or three times a week. A recent health check had pronounced him fit and well so when he was found slumped over his desk at work it was a major shock to everyone. I was grief stricken. I had a week off work as special leave but when I returned was not in a fit state to do anything so my boss sent me home. My doctor then gave me a three week sick note.
After that first month I started to get back to normal. My head was clearing so I could now think of the future. I was determined to retire. Nobody was going to find me dead at work. I wanted to enjoy my life. I talked it over with James and was pleasantly surprised that he was thinking the same. I always thought that his work was the major part of his life. He said that it might have been before William's death but not now. Fortunately we both had well paid jobs with reasonable pensions. Not enough for lavish holidays or to buy expensive cars but enough for a good life if we were sensible. Now that we had decided we wanted it done as soon as possible. I only worked another month but James did three so that he could tie up all the loose ends of the projects he was working on. I wasn't happy but he said he had a reputation for doing a good job and he was not going to tarnish it now.
Retirement is good. We do all sorts of activities but what I like is the time I get to relax. I sit in my comfy chair and read or watch television. Sometimes I just close my eyes and think of William. I have lots of nice memories of him but the one I often return to is that special day nearly forty years ago. When I do it feels real as if I am back in the past experiencing it for the first time.
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It was a Saturday morning and I had just woken up. There was nothing urgent that needed doing so I could stay in bed as long as I wanted. My twentieth birthday is on Monday, made special because my brother William is here to celebrate it with me. We don't see a lot of him, he is always busy and travels a lot because of his job. My parents are away for the weekend but will be back tomorrow evening.
If you didn't know I don't think you would guess we were siblings. We are both five feet nine inches tall. That is probably the only thing we have in common. My eyes are blue my nose is small and my curly hair is black. Peter has large dark brown eyes. I often tease him about his long nose, but it does look good on him. His hair is straight and fair but he wishes it was black like mine. He has a slim muscular body. Mine is on the large size. I like to think of it as curvy. The top part certainly is. I struggle to find suitable bras that both look good and that I can fit into. Mother is 36C so has lots more choice than me with 42DD.
As regards personality we differ even more. I am shy and a bit timid, with little self-confidence. William is the complete opposite. He is at ease in all social situations. From an early age he has always been successful at finding girlfriends. He tends not to stay with them for long but I think that is generally his choice. 'A disaster' is the only way to describe my relationships. There have not been many but all have been brief. It might be because I attract the wrong men or it might be I expect too much from them. I don't know. At twenty I am still a virgin and I cannot see that changing soon.
There was a knock on the door. "Can I come in, are you decent?"
"Yes come in."
Sitting down on the side of the bed he said "How is my little sister today?"
"OK. I was going to come and see you about a problem I have."
He frowned. "Sounds serious?"
I laughed "It's not really a problem I just need your advice on something. Jane is having a party next week. The theme is 'Our School Days'. All my friends will be there. What should I wear?"
"I remember Jane, very attractive."
"She is but what should I wear?"
"It's obvious. It has to be your school uniform."
"I did think of that but it's four years since I left school, I don't have it anymore." When I said that my voice was a bit harsh. He wasn't taking me seriously.
With a big grin on his face he said "We still have it in the house. A month ago I tidied up the loft for mother. There was lots of old stuff most of which we binned. I came across your uniform and wanted that to go as well but she said keep it because it was made of good material. She might find a use for it. I was going to mention it to you but forgot."
"It's not going to fit. It will be too small."
"I think it will. Try it on."
I couldn't argue with that. Ten minutes later he returned with it.