Summer

Anniversary
Chas Adlard

Chas Adlard

Chas Adlard was a prizewinner in The

Advertiser short story competition with his
short story Summer Anniversary and a
finalist in the WriteSpot Spring 2001 short
story competition with Kip. He has written
many short stories, poems, tributes,
eulogies, magazine articles, two-full length
novels, and a non-fiction work on building
on country blocks. Adlards stories reflect
his love for Australia and his people.

Australia

Australia is derived from the Latin

australis, meaning southern. It is the
6th largest country in the world. Over 200
different languages and dialects are
spoken in Australia including 45
Indigenous languages. The most
common non-English spoken languages
are Italian, Greek, Cantonese, Arabic,
Vietnamese and Mandarin.

Australia

Australia is a product of a unique blend

of established traditions and new
influences. The countrys original
inhabitants, the Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people, are the custodians
of one of the worlds oldest continuing
cultural traditions. They have been living
in Australia for at least 40 000 years and
possibly up to 60 000 years.

Australia

Australians tend to be gregarious and outgoing.

Most are relatively informal socially and in their
relationships with acquaintances and work
colleagues.
In the workplace and among friends, Australians
generally call each other by their first names. But
this informality does not extend to physical
contact. When meeting someone for the first time,
it is usual to shake the persons right hand with
your right hand. People who do not know each
other generally do not kiss or hug when meeting.

Summary
The story begins with a man experiencing nightmares and visions
of his deceased wife. The nightmare recounts the day when a
train had taken the life of the one the man holds dearhis wife.
He wakes up screaming and sobbing. He takes a minute before
getting up to face reality for in that day he shall finally attain
eventual peace. He now leaves for the beach in his Mercedes.
Two fishermen had the beach to themselves until they noticed a
Mercedes entering from the ramp. They then dismissed it as just
another weekend tourist. The Mercedes stopped facing seaward
with the engine still running. He comes out of the car and busies
himself around the car, and finally draping a tarp over the
vehicles rear. The man now enjoys the comfort of the backseat
while listening to songs that his love had so enjoyed. It was their
anniversary.

Summary
Three hundred and sixty-five days have since passed after a train
had taken the life of his love. However, this did not stop the man
from reminiscing his wifes beauty. He then offered his wife
champagne.
Several people took notice of the stalled car which became the
subject of their curiosity. The smoky glass, however, did not allow
anyone to peer through. Passers-by have since judge the man
inside the luxurious cabin. The Mercedes engine comes to a halt
which the two fishermen from earlier took notice and investigated.
They pulled aside the tarpaulin and saw a piece of plastic hose and
tape.
What was revealed to them was that the mature gentleman in a
black suit has finally entered a different worldhe is now with her,
his eternal love.

Significant Human Experience

From the story, it can be inferred that the man was wealthy. With
that being said, it is clear that no one is exempted from losing
someone precious.
He struggles to face the reality that his wife is now in another
world, but life goes on around him. With all his internal battles, he
ultimately decides that his fate is to be with his loveso he commits
suicide.
We constantly thirst for love. This need is to be satiated by being
with those we hold dear. The lost of a loved one is one of the most
tragic events that can happen in ones life and that coping with such
is a real struggle for both are mentally and emotionally taxing. It is
important that those who go through such stages in life need to have
companions, and family to aid them in overcoming the loss. There are
better ways to handle life than to end it; people need to stand up
despite all the painful struggles.

Significant Human Experience

Unfortunately, the man in the story chose

the selfish route, but he has his reasons.
Another thing to note in the story is the
fact that people did not care about the man
at all or that they were indifferent about him.
They chose to ignore, and judge people
more than to carea sad reality we face
today.
In spite of all that, it is inevitable that life
goes on

Anicete, Carlo Angelo O.

Bati, Krizza Marie M.