Your Mark is Still Very Young—And Why Would He Want the Responsibility of This Orphan? Better Hide All Your Valuables Now, Because Who Knows What She Might Be Thinking.

Violet stood at the threshold, clutching Marks hand so tightly it looked as if she was worried she might float away. There was fear swimming in her eyes, and her knees wobbled like the last leaf on a winter branch.

Mum, this is my girlfriend. Violet, said Mark, brushing the London drizzle from his coat as he returned from yet another business trip.

Mark had been gone for a fortnight, and this time he hadnt come home alone. Mark and his parents lived in a snug two-bedroom flat on the outskirts of Manchester. So, when night crept in, Violet would sleep in Marks room, while he stretched himself out on the kitchen sofa, pretending he liked the view of the fridge.

And where did you find her? Marks mother asked, eyeing Violets simple dress as though waiting for it to burst into sequins. Young people today dress so garishly, decals in their eyebrows and whatnot.

Mum, I was lucky. I met her at the uni halls where I was placed. She grew up in foster care.

Next morning, Marks sister Alice popped in while the kettle burbled on the hob.

So, where are your chicks? she asked slyly.

Theyve gone to the registry office, putting in paperwork, Marks mum answered, dropping two sugars in her tea.

Marks barely out of college. And whys he saddled himself with this orphan? Mind you lock up your valuableswho knows what runs through her mind. Alice ran her finger along the mantelpiece as if checking for missing picture frames.

What on earth are you saying? Marks mum snapped.

I came from care too, remember. Think Im different? At that, Marks dad stepped in to defend Violet.

Just wait, Alice snorted. Give it time. Her roots will show.

Dont you dare speak of Violet like that! Marks father thundered.

Marks parents believed their son should paddle his own canoe. They let them all be. The youngsters decided first to live with the family, then strike out on their own. Truth be told, Violet could be a bit hopeless as a house guest. More than once, Marks mum nearly threw in the tea towel, but Marks dad always stood up for her.

Later on, Mark announced that Violet was planning to study English Literature at university. Turned out, he would be the only earner for a while. Of course, his mother wasnt thrilled. But what could she say? These days, you couldnt get far without a degree.

Some months later, the two moved into their own little flat. Violet began working part-time as a teaching assistant.

Marks mum couldnt help missing her son and offered, more than once, for them to come back and stay. Marks dad, though, always respected the decisions his son and daughter-in-law made.

One rainy Saturday, Marks aunt arrived bearing two frying pans. Look what Ive got! Ill let you have one cheap, you can give it to the kids. Everyones feeling the pinch these days, and they could use all the help they can get.

Actually, my two are managing just fine. Violet studies, keeps the flat clean, even cooks, Marks mum replied, a little defensively.

She handed Violet the pan, with strict instructions: Only stir it with a wooden spoon and never use a metal scourer.

A week later, Marks mum came by for a cuppa, finds Violet in tears at the kitchen table.

My cutlets are burnt, she sobbed, and I scrubbed your pan with wire wool. It was your gift

Oh, hush now, love, dont fret! soothed Marks mum, patting her back.

Mark found them both sat on the lino in the kitchen, one in tears, one trying to comfort. At first, he considered saying something, but then he simply waved it offsomehow knowing things would work themselves out.

Eighteen years have gone by since then. Violet now works as a deputy headmistress. Over time, shes become as much a daughter to Marks mum as her own, while Alice has simmered with envy ever since.

Does it matter where someone was raised, if all that matters is an honest heart and kindness within?