It did knock me about at the time. But now, like I said, I hardly ever think about me wife - me ex-wife - anymore. But it's like a death isn't it? Like having someone in t' family or a really good mate kick the bucket. Except that there's nowhere to go and mourn: no marker, no urn on t' mantelpiece. I suppose the grave's inside my head. But I can't go in there to grieve. Besides, she's not dead is she? She's out there somewhere. Probably married again with a couple of kids. Well good luck to her I say. Good bloody luck to her.
I've only seen her once since she left. Nine year ago that were - give or take. And funnily enough it were at her father's funeral. The old boy died a few year after we split up. She didn't look at me that day though, not once. I couldn't help looking across at her a few times during t' service. Just curious I suppose. She hadn't changed, not really. She were dressed very well, though that might just have been for t' funeral. She looked a bit thinner and a bit... Well, I suppose sharper is the only word I can think of. I didn't study her closely of course, didn't want her or anybody else to see me looking. It was just curiosity you understand. I weren't bothered. But you know how folk are, always watching - waiting for something t' gossip about.
I liked her old man. I remember the day I asked him if I could marry her. I were so nervous me tongue were tripping over me teeth, and the words just fell out. He gave me a hard time that night. Fixed me with a stare over the top of his pint and just froze for ages. I were bricking it I can tell you. Then the old bugger smiled, a big toothy smile, and reached over to slap me shoulder. Take her, he said, but take that record player and those bloody awful pop records with her. Then he bought me a pint and a chaser. By the time I got him home we were both steaming. I remember the old bugger singing all those songs ont' way up street - the pop songs he said he 'ated. He'd start one up, sing a few lines - I'm not in love, so don't forget it. It's just a silly phase I'm going through... At the top of his voice mind, and then say: I won't have to listen to those bastards anymore. Her mother weren't quite so keen on me. But she did kiss me at t' wedding....
Contact me to see how this tale turns out