Catherine Has Passed Away… Her Sons Came from the City to the Village for the Wake—“At Least They Finally Showed Up,” Whispered the Neighbors

Catherine passed away… Her sons travelled from the city back to the village for the wake. At least they showed up in the end, the neighbours whispered to each other. At least they saw their mother off on her final journey. Once the wake was over, the sons and their families began packing to leave for home. Suddenly, Aunt Linda, Catherines sister, stepped through the door.

Aunt Linda, its time for us to go, began the eldest son. We need to lock up the house. You should think about leaving too.

Leave?! Linda was astonished. I am home! Theres no need for me to go anywhere. Everyone stared at her, surprised.

Rita and David had recently married and moved in with Davids mother.

Their wedding was a modest affair. They decided to save their money for something else, rather than getting their own place right away.

Previously, theyd lived apart David with his mum, and Rita in student accommodation. Rita hadnt lived at home for years, as her mother led a rather wild lifestyle

Shed never known her father.

Davids mum agreed to give them some privacy for a while. She took some holiday and went off to visit her own sister, Catherine, back in the countryside.

She often holidayed there her sister lived alone, her husband had passed on, and her two sons rarely visited. Calls from them were infrequent at best.

Youd think theyd ring who knows when your mum might need a hand? But no, they were always busy, always had things on.

Catherine felt hurt by it. Surely, they could find time for a call?

Not that she ever asked them for anything. Shed manage on her own, or ask a neighbour for help if needed. Sometimes, David and his mum would visit.

David was good with his hands, always helping about the place. Hed used to visit often, but now, newly married, she feared shed be forgotten just like her own sons. They didnt even bring their wives home only ever saw them at the wedding. And grandchildren? None yet. Too soon, apparently.

Linda! Youre here! My sister! Catherine was delighted.

They were always close, growing up together until Linda left for the city and got married. Catherine had stayed behind in the village. They lost their husbands the same year and never remarried.

Youll be in charge while Im here. Ive got a week left before my time off, Linda said. Why didnt David come with you? He and his new wife could have had a trip to the countryside. Or did they go somewhere fancy for their honeymoon?

No, theyre saving their pennies. The wedding was simple, just signed papers. Rita doesnt have much family. Only her mum, whos off on her own somewhere most of the time. Left Rita to cope from a young age. Pity, shes a lovely girl.

So why didnt you bring them along?

I wanted to give them their space, let them settle in without me under their feet. Thought a month would do them good. I wasnt sure David would marry at all thirty years old! Thank goodness he has now. Let them get on with things.

Theyve managed well enough on their own, havent they? Linda laughed. Still, a honeymoon in the city isnt much. He should bring his wife to meet us! Theres plenty of room in this house. Its not that far if they want to head home early.

A couple of days later David and Rita arrived. Aunt Catherine was thrilled her own sons never visited, no matter how she asked.

Im so pleased to see you! My two never bother always too busy Catherine sighed.

Rita loved it in the country. It reminded her of childhood days at her grans. When her gran passed, she was fifteen and had to fend for herself from then on.

Catherine busied herself with work. Linda took it easy, made food for everyone. David repaired the bathhouse fence, fixed the barn roof. Rita was in the garden dawn till dusk.

Leave the garden, Rita. My leave starts soon, then Ill sort it. Have a proper break, Catherine told her.

I dont mind. I used to help my grandma all the time. I love working in the garden. You have your holiday enjoy yourself.

The weeks flew by. Soon the guests returned home, leaving Catherine alone with everything done. Evenings grew lonely. One day, she phoned her eldest.

Whats happened?

Oh, nothing, she said. Just calling to see how you are. Maybe you could visit?

No, were busy. Ring my brother, see if hes changed his mind about that trip to the seaside.

She tried the younger son the same answer. Off on a seaside holiday, no time to spend a few days with their mum. Never mind. David had promised to pop over

Years passed. David and Rita bought a flat, but didnt forget their aunt they often visited and helped around her place, bringing the kids. Sometimes the children spent whole summers with their grannies both Catherine and Linda were now retired.

Catherine never got to meet her own grandchildren. The younger son had a stepson from his wifes previous marriage. The eldest was busy building his career, and by the time he thought about a family it was too late. Thats how it was no time for their mum, no time for children. Every three or four years theyd visit, and that was supposed to make her happy At least they havent forgotten you!

Thankfully, David, Rita and Linda were always there.

That was life, until Catherine fell ill. She needed treatment which cost more than she could afford. She phoned her younger son, explained the situation.

Well, mum, youve never needed health spas your whole life, no point starting now! They say home is the best medicine. Get well soon.

It was David and Rita who paid for her to go to the convalescent home. They sent both sisters together so theyd enjoy themselves.

Catherine passed away four years later. Her sons returned for the wake.

At least they managed to come back for this, murmured the neighbours. At least they saw their mother off properly.

As the sons and their families prepared to head back to the city, the house was filled with Linda and Davids family.

Aunt Linda, well Were leaving soon, began the eldest. Best get the house locked up. You should all get going as well.

Leave? Why would we leave? This is our home, Linda replied, astonished.

Everyone stared at her.

This was mothers house, said the younger son. So it belongs to us now. Were planning to sell. If you want any keepsakes a vase, a china set, whatever take them. The rest will be thrown out.

You take what you want to remember your mother by, Linda said quietly. But Catherine gave me this house when she got ill. Ive been living here since she got back from that convalescent stay.

Convalescent home? She left it to you? Were her sons!

Oh, now you remember, do you? SONS! Where were you all those years she was sick? Never came once. SONS!

The sons left, not even bothering to make excuses. They had nowhere left to go, and no one to call.

Linda moved into her sisters house, renting out her own flat. She helps out Davids family, and theyre devoted in return. A lovely close-knit family, though they all miss Catherine

Yet, in their memories, shes always with them.