Oh, my boy has arrived!” Evdokiya exclaimed with joy.

Ah, my lads arrived, my mother, Evelyn, shouted with delight. I stood at the door, cap in my hand, and said, Hello, Mum. Im not alone. I hesitated, then nudged forward a skinny boy in glasses with a backpack. Goodness, my grandsons here. Is that Tommy or Charlie? I cant tell without his spectacles. I took a seat. Put them on, love. Thats Victor, my illegitimate son. Remember when Elaine and I split for a year? Thats when I fell in with Felicia and Victor was born. I foolishly put his name on the register, I sighed. Evelyn snapped, Why are you blathering about a child? Hes too young to know about your messy life. Victor, go to the lounge and have the telly on while your dad and I sort things out. The lad slipped out silently and headed to his room. Evelyn whispered, Does Elaine know about him? She never liked my wifes motheralways quarrelsome and nagging, I answered. A shiver ran through me. What, mother? If she found out shed have thrown us out long ago. I feel for him; I built him from the ground up with my own hands. Evelyn sighed, Youre a rogue, not a man, always under Elaines heel. How could you bring a son from an affair? If Elaine finds out Ill be in trouble. I tried to explain, Felicia, a bit of a snake, decided to marry and ran off south with a new lover for a monthcan you imagine? She called me and said, Take the boy wherever you like, even bring him home. I told her Id lost my mind; I have a wife, shell throw us both out. She warned shed make my life miserable. Ill bring you his birth certificate and you sort it out. Thats all. My end will be there. She barely forgave Felicia; she didnt speak to me for half a year. So I thought, let him stay with you for a month, then Ill come back and take him, I said, not meeting my mothers eyes. Evelyn shook her head, Thats how you were as a child, and you never changed. Whatever you do, Ill help. Fine, what should I do with him? Leave the boy. But hes not of our blood, she hesitated, Are you sure hes yours? I waved my hand, Hes mine, no doubt. Felicias no angel, but shes loyal. We fell silent. Evelyn sprang up, Why am I just standing here? Let me at least give him something to eat from the road. I got up, Sorry, Mum, but I must go. Elaine is waiting at home. I told her I was heading to town for spare parts. Feed Victor and Im off. She hugged me, her wayward son, and whispered, God be with you, my dear. Victor ate quickly, eyes glued to his plate. Want more? Evelyn asked pitifully, seeing how fast he cleared it. No, thank you, he said, rising from the table. Go outside, have a walk while I finish dinner. Whats in your backpack? she asked. He grumbled, Things. Evelyn nodded, Will you wash them yourself or should I? For the first time he looked at me with frightened eyes, I cant. My mother always did the washing. She lifted his small knapsack, Go then, Ill rinse whats dirty. He left, and she began sorting his modest belongings: two Tshirts, a pair of shorts and some underwear. Not much, she muttered, not even a warm jumper. Typical mother. She soaked the clothes in a basin and turned to a cherry pie. Suddenly a shout rang from the street. Evelyn rushed out, flour still on her hands. What happened? Victor wailed, clutching his leg, A goose pecked me. It hurts. She examined the red bruise, Why did you go near them? They were out grazing, and you were in the yard. I just wanted to look at them, Victor sniffed. Never seen geese before? she asked. I have, but I never got close, he whispered. All right, lets get you some ointment, she said, taking his hand. After dinner she placed him on the sofa and lay awake. What a life! She would never have sent her own son to a strangers house. The child was a nuisance, his trousers costly. Then she heard a soft sob. She leaned close, Whats the matter, son? Not liking me? She promised, Wait a month and Mum will take you back. He sat up, whispering, She wont. I heard her and Uncle Victor saying theyll send me to a boarding school when they return, only taking me back for holidays. I dont want that, I was happy at home with Mum. Uncle Victor doesnt even call me by name. Grandmother, youre kind but Im not needed. Evelyns heart ached. She held his thin frame. Dont cry, Victor. I wont let anyone hurt you. Ill speak to your mother and youll stay here. We have a good school and teachers. Well pick mushrooms and berries, milk our cow. Youre small, but a glass of milk will make you strong. Dont believe me? She smiled, Tomorrow Ill introduce you to Paul. Hes a good lad, round as a bun from drinking milk. Want that? He hugged her neck, I want. Wont you lie to me? Evelyn kissed his forehead gently, Never. Years passed. Valerie sometimes visited, bringing gifts, but always hurrying off, urged by Victor. I appeared now and then. Elaine learned of Victor and blamed Evelyn, not me, saying she didnt want grandchildren, only the occasional nuisance. Evelyn didnt mind. The frail boy grew into a sturdy youth. Each morning she prepared his favourite dishes, peeking out the window. One day a young soldier entered and called softly, Gran, Im here, where are you? She bolted from the room and clung to his neck, Victor, my dear grandson! Will you go to your mother? she asked. He set down his fork, surprised, Which mother? The one who abandoned me and only sends trinkets once a year? No, I wont go. My mother is you, and that cant be questioned, he said, calmly eating. Evelyn wiped a tear away, grateful for the grandson who would be her comfort and support in old age.