Just another VALENTINE'S DAY

For Clare, finding love again seemed like an impossible dream

- Linda Lewis

Working on reception at a university, Clare spent her days surrounded by students. As soon as the date of 14 February came into sight each year, the conversation always turned to love and romance. And with just a week to go, her 24-year-old colleague Susie was one of the worst offenders.

'I can't wait for Valentine's Day. Mark's taking me to that new French restaurant. I think he's going to propose.'

Clare bit back just a touch of envy. She was 53 years old, but she knew how it felt to be young and in love.

'Are you going to the Valentine's do at the hotel?' Susie asked her as they packed up to leave.

Clare shook her head. 'I'm not really the party type.' It was a bit of a fib. The truth was she didn't fancy being the odd one out if everyone else was going to be part of a couple.

It was such a mild evening for the time of year, she decided to forget the bus and enjoy a walk home through the centre of town. Almost every shop window was crammed with cards, hearts, roses and cuddly toys.

Clare had married her childhood sweetheart when she was 21. After 11 short years together, Ian was taken from her by a sudden illness. Finding love again had always seemed like an impossible dream. She'd had the odd date, but nobody ever came close to her beloved Ian.

That night, she went through her old photo albums. As she flicked open a random page, there was her husband, his arm casually draped round her shoulder. She could see the love on both of their faces. He'd been gone such a long time but she still missed him, every single day.

After a happy wallow in her memories, she picked up an older album dating from her childhood. A photo jumped out at her. It showed her aged six, snuggled up to Bobby. Bobby was a small and shaggy mongrel with floppy ears. Clare had loved that dog to pieces.