Y Ladi Wen - The White Lady

"I agree," said Gwen with a smile. "I thought I sensed something special about you, Evan."

"Everything is special about you, Gwen."

They lay quietly in each other's arms for a while then Gwen said, "I know you haven't been sleeping well, Evan, but I hope you're nottoo tired after that. We still have all night."

***

Evan awoke some time later. He had managed to go another few rounds with Gwen before falling asleep with her in his arms. He didn't know what time it was, but he hadn't dreamed at all, and he actually felt refreshed, something he would never take for granted again.

He rolled over to find Gwen sitting at the side of the bed dressed in a white sweater, and white trousers, with a woolly white scarf and gloves.

"I should go," she said quietly.

"You can stay," he replied groggily.

"Ican stay, but not for much longer. I want to leave on my own terms. I don't want you to see me fade away when the sun rises."

Evan got up, washed and dressed. Gwen accompanied him to the kitchen where she sat with him while he made and drank coffee. She didn't drink or eat, of course. They held hands and talked about simple things like normal people, even though Gwen was not, and Evan never could be again.

"Will I remember you?" he asked as she made to leave.

"Of course, but nobody else will believe you. That's why legends exist, but they remain legends."

"I still don't entirely believe it myself," Evan said with half a laugh.

"You may see me again, Evan, but I may not be able to stand between you and spirits who wish to harm you again, so please take care, for me. And don't put yourself in harm's way just to feel me breathing down your neck, because you know who else will be paying attention. And I will always remember you too."

He walked her to the front door, where they shared one last kiss, neither cold nor warm, just perfectly matched, and then a hug.

"Do you need a ride?" Evan asked.

With a smile, Gwen lifted gently into the air. "I can fly!"

"Whoosh!" said Evan.

"Hwyl fawr, Evan," called Gwen, blowing him a kiss.

"Goodbye, Gwen."

Then, on a rush of cold wind, the White Lady flew away.

***

Evan made his way into the office, steeling himself for a conversation with his boss, but with no intention of going back on his decision to hand in his notice. In the lobby, he pressed the call button for the lift. He'd had enough of the stairs. As he waited, somebody walked up next to him and pressed something into his hand.

"Burned clean," said Enid Halston as Evan turned his stone over in his hand, both sides smooth and white. "Lucky man."

"Thank you, Enid," said Evan. "How about yours?"

"Still got it, that's what matters," she replied, showing him her stone with her name still written on it. "Are you sure you should be here this morning, Evan?"

"Of course, I've got statutory notice to work."

"Good man. That's a step in the right direction. Are you happy with that decision?"

"Happy enough, now that I'm thinking clearly again, and had the best night's sleep I've had in months."

"I see," Enid said with a wry smile. "The White Lady let you get a full eight hours, did she?"

"Inappropriate topic of discussion for the workplace, Ms. Halston," Evan laughed as they stepped into the lift, and he pressed the buttons for three and seven. "What about you? Can't you give yourself the day off after your party."

"I gave my team the day off, but I still have work to do. I'm a little hungover, but nothing that a strong coffee and a bacon sandwich won't fix."

Evan's stomach turned at the mention of bacon. "I would warn you about being too dedicated to the work, if I've learned anything from last night."

"There's nothing wrong with dedication, Evan. It just has to be worthwhile." The lift doors opened onto the third floor and Enid stepped out. Turning to Evan, she added, "in fact, I've got a vacancy coming up and I could use some dedication. Strictly nine to five."

"I know someone who might be interested in about four weeks."

"Take your lunch break today, Evan. Come down and let's have a chat."

Evan nodded and she turned away. "Lucky man," he muttered to himself, contemplating the white stone in his hand as the lift doors closed.