The Simple Reality

The Rewrite

The summerhouse that evening had a particular energy. It was warm on the inside, a cozy and comfortable feeling that embraced the couple who were about their own things within the home. They were not alone however, for how could they not bring with them the dogs who adored them, and in reverse, dogs they absolutely adored back?

The crispy, autumn morning was fresh when the couple found they were both wrapped up in their own things— their work which they finished and completed as quickly as possible because as much as they loved productivity, they loved lounging around without the pressure of any responsibilities a little more. By the time that had been complete, the day had seen both Agnetha and Björn making dinner together, each one adding in their own special touch as they combined ingredients. It was a rare thing to happen, she had reflected to him as they worked together. This might have been the very longest they have stood in the kitchen together without her shooing him off to another chore. She had to admit she enjoyed him putting his fine skills to use. His response? They simply worked so well together, no matter job.

It had somehow come about between plan and spontaneity and surprise that Agnetha wrapped her arms around him in the midst of him drying the very last pan. She was finished, Björn was finishing up and the kitchen was now spotless. Clearly their collaboration was good not only in music, or parenting, or grand-parenting or cooking, but excellent with cleaning up so fast. Björn had felt a loving kiss at the back of his shoulder before she moved her face forward to look at him. A hum emerged.

"When you're done, Björn, I have something for us." He had no verbal response but a look of curiosity on his face. All she had to do, while looking in his eyes, was bring her arm from where it was to just in front of him and over the dish rack. She released another low chuckle he so loved. He had seen her hold up a black cassette that he had known to be the infamous tape they have yet to watch together, and his lips parted.

"Are you serious?" he asked turning almost a little too excited at the suggestion. She pulled back and he moved quickly to not let her escape. His back was now to the counter, but he kept her to him still.

"You held your end up of the deal, I have to hold mine too. We finished the work at the house... and it's getting painted as we speak." She watched his face fall into thought. "Plus, we have only waited 40-some years to see what is on here."

"But of course, I don't have a VCR here," he huffed.

"Lucky for you I found one and packed it anyway." Björn watched her step back and laugh as he understood she planned it from the start. "I think while you take over and set up the..." she had coughed a little, "Um, the movie for tonight, I am going to find some blankets to set a nice cozy spot for us to sit. Maybe a snack or two." Her slow step back pulled him to take a step forward to follow.

"I think I have to set up the fireplace as well," he equally suggested. The twinkle in her eyes to him was all that she had now. It was playful, light, and he chuckled to himself knowing everything about her interaction with him was suggestive. The man he was did not hesitate. He made his route towards the living room, finding the television was on showing no signal because the wires were not connected properly. She left that job for him with the tape on the coffee table so she could bring everything needed for a comfortable space— pillows, blankets, popcorn, a glass of wine for her, a Diet Coke for him.

The mood was fully set. Her cup clinked to the table as she watched him rewind the tape to the very start. Björn hit play then rushed to her, smiling a bit to have found she lifted the blanket so he could comfortable slip in beside her. And there the scene had opened.

It was May 1978 they both concluded after going back and forth, trying to recall when the video was filmed. Both were in deep reflection about it that they hadn't given much attention to the images already flickering on the screen. They noted it was a party. She was right in the end, they had just returned from their Los Angeles trip after filming for the Olivia Newton-John special and they had been invited to a wedding of a close friend. They grinned when they saw a row of faces smile to the camera, dressed in now known as vintage clothes, and hairstyles they wouldn't think to see now.