The words ‘Yorkshire Wolds Way’ had been carved into the arm of the wooden guidepost that pointed clearly up a high, grassy hill. Sam pushed her long hair out of her face, tucking her brown curls behind her ears. Her green eyes looked up the slope, meeting its challenge.
Although she was out of breath, three days of continuous walking had made climbing the hill much easier than it normally would have been.
Her lodger Jenny had been surprised when she had announced in the kitchen one day that she was taking a whole week off work to walk 79 miles across Yorkshire – alone.
‘Sam, are you sure?’ Jenny asked as she washed a plate at the sink. ‘That’s a long way for a woman in her 40s, and what happens if something goes wrong? You sprain your ankle, or you get lost?’
‘I’ll have my phone with me, and if I get lost, I’ll keep walking until I’m found again,’ Sam had joked, drying a mug with the tea towel.
Remembering that conversation with Jenny brought to mind her late mother. Sam had cared for her at the end, eventually watching the life fade from her pale, papery skin.
Afterward, Sam had been cast adrift in the empty house, her anchor suddenly gone. Jenny had moved in just after that, filling the silence.
Sam had visited her GP in those numb, dark months. The young doctor had listened, then asked if she had considered walking – she never had. She usually parked as close as possible to the supermarket entrance, so she wouldn’t have to walk across the car park.
Bu hikaye WOMAN'S OWN dergisinin September 21, 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye WOMAN'S OWN dergisinin September 21, 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
'SEEING MY NAME ON TV IS SURREAL'
Loose Women newbie Olivia Attwood Dack on joining the hit show, marriage and career goals
THE MISSING PIECE
My earliest memory of my older sister Priya wasn’t one where she was present, but rather, the realisation of her absence.
WEEKNIGHT WINNERS
Rustle up these tasty family dinners with just five easy ingredients
SMILING THROUGH CANCER
Like most mums, when my kids are upset I’ll do almost anything to turn their frowns upside down, whether it’s making Max, 11, his favourite chocolate cake or putting on silly voices for Georgia, eight, when she’s had a bad day at school.
BRAVERY AMIDST SUCH HORROR
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on dinner time, posh grub and wet summers
RELAX & RESET
For farm-to-table food and a game-changing spa, head for the dramatic Dolomites
HELP! I'M TURNING INTO MY MUM
As the years pass, Heather Main, 39, realises she’s inheriting more and more of her mother’s traits
I WAS MISTAKEN FOR MY HUSBAND'S MISTRESS!
When Gemma Loveden, 38, lost l6st, a family member was convinced she was someone else...
Denise confesses I'MA MORNING SEX PERSON'
Never one to mince her words, Denise Welch is much-loved by fans for her refreshing honesty.
Cat & Ben SNUBBED!
Are the This Morning hosts feeling disgruntled after missing out on an NTA nomination in favour of Alison?