Sergei Lost His Sister: He Travelled to the Village for Her Funeral While His Wife Tamara Stayed Home Due to Poor Health

Ive had a lot on my mind lately, so I thought Id put pen to paper tonight. Its been a year now since my sister passed away. When she died, I travelled up to Yorkshire to sort the funeral and say goodbye. My wife, Patricia, stayed home in Londonher health just isnt what it used to be. She knew Id be back that evening and, as always, had thought of everything ahead of time. She mashed the potatoes, made some lovely meat pies, set everything out, and was waiting for me in the kitchen.

I came in, feeling worn out, and Patricia greeted me, You made it just in time for supper. I didnt say muchjust sort of stared at her, probably looking a bit lost.

She frowned. Is something wrong?

I finally said, I didnt come back alone.

Patricia was taken aback. What do you mean, not alone? Who is with you?

Ill never forget it. I stepped aside to reveal a thin, small girl standing shyly in the hallway.

This is Emilymy late sisters granddaughter, I told her.

Patricia looked Emily up and down, then gave me one of her stern looks. Still, she managed to say, Come in, Emily. Ill set up an extra plate.

Wed expected Id be back this evening, so everything was readya bit of kindness in a difficult time. Sit down, love, Patricia coaxed, Pleaseeat.

Emily quietly picked at her food, while I gave Patricia a look, and we excused ourselves to the other room.

What is all this about? she asked in a low voice, closing the door behind us.

Patricia lets let her stay for a bit. Shes got no one now.

And your niece? Where is she?

She didnt even come to the funeral. My sister raised this granddaughter on her own since the girl was three. I sighed, feeling the weight in my chest. Now theres nobody left for Emily.

But were pensioners ourselves, love. And neither of us is in the best shape. Patricia glanced at the door. How old is the girl?

Twelve.

So, whatshed be with us till shes an adult?

Wed get some support for her, and well sell my sisters house soonits small, but every bit helps. The money will tide us over. And perhaps Anna and Peter could help if we ever got stucktheyre still our children, after all.

Theyve got enough on their plate as it is. Their brood is all in school now, and in five years theyll be marrying off and starting their own families. Our own grandchildren, even if theyre far away. Werent we meant to help them?

Patricia, Emilys still family. My sisters granddaughter.

Not exactly blood, she muttered. Then, with a sigh, Come on, lunch will be cold.

Back in the kitchen, Emily looked at us both with big anxious eyesclearly hearing more than she should have. She stood up quickly.

Grandma Patricia, please dont send me away. Ive nowhere else. Ill help out, I promise.

Patricia relented, Alright. You can stay.

A year went by. Then, last spring, I lost Patriciamy dear one. The children came from out of town, stayed for the service, and the house filled briefly with the bustle of family. Emily was thoughtful and went off to the neighbours, sensing it was best to leave us to our grief.

Later at the kitchen table, Anna, my daughter, said, Mum, why do you keep that girl here?

She wiped away a tear. Shes family. Where else should she go?

Anna pressed, We should put her into a care home. Youre old, Mum. You cant do this forever.

Im completely alone now. Youre both busy, visit less and less, and my health isnt what it was. Still, its nice not to be alone.

Peter spoke up then, putting a hand on his sisters arm, Maybe its best that way. Let Emily stayits company for Mum.

They left after a day. They had their own livesthree kids each, always in a rush.

And so it was just Patricia and Emily once again. Emily was a good girlonly just turned thirteen, but she helped with everything, brought me tea, kept the rooms tidy.

But Patricias health was failing. Anna and Peter visited again.

Oh, Im feeling worse, struggling to get about. Patricia mentioned the next day, Good job Emily’s here. I want the flat to be hers after Im gone.

Anna was shocked. Mum, what are you saying? You’ve six grandchildrenmy Sophie is fourteen, Peter’s Charlotte is fifteen. Soon theyll be off getting married. Theyre your real family!

They dont help much, do they?

Its summer soon. School holidays. Ill ring them to come stay with you all summer.

Three days later, the girls showed up, and their parents headed home. Emily stayed with the neighbours.

Sophie and Charlotte, clearly pleased to be left looking after their grandmother, did their own thing. They went out until late the first night, came back to find Patricia couldnt get up. She needed help to the looneither fancied the idea, but they grudgingly helped.

Through the night, Patricia needed drinks of water; Sophie barely woke to help. It fell to an argument over whod help her to the bathroom. The next morning, the chores and cooking fell to themreluctantly.

After two days, it was obvious the girls didnt want to stay. When Patricia asked for help bathing, that was the last strawthey phoned home, and were gone the next morning.

So once again, it was Patricia and Emily left together, with Patricia barely strong enough to get out of bed.

Another year rolled on. Emilynow fifteentook care of the flat, attended school (now in year ten), kept her grades up, and nursed Patricia. And all the while, Patricia thought, All this, and she isnt even my blood, but she doesnt leave me. Shes always herewho else do I have? I suppose I should leave her the flat. Anna and Peter will understand.

It took all her strength, but Patricia sat up, reached for her mobilethe same one Id given her for her sixtieth. She found a solicitors number and called.

The next day, the paperwork was sorted. As soon as it was done, Patricia rang Anna and Peter. They arrived within a daycurious, with the three-bedroom flat in a lovely part of London.

Mum, are you sure about this? Anna questioned. Come live with usspend a few weeks with me, then with Peter. Well sell the flat.

And Emily? Patricia asked.

Well find a home for her, Anna replied. Your real grandchildren should be caring for you now.

Ive seen how well that goes. Im happier here with Emily. I dont want to be shuttled about.

Peter said, Maybe Mum’s right. If shes happy, we shouldnt interfere. She wants Emily to have the flat; let it be.

They stayed a few more days, then left. Emily soon came back from the neighbours.

Grandma, why did Uncle Peter and Auntie Anna come?

Oh, just visiting, Patricia smiled. Come sit beside metheres something I want to tell you.

What is it?

Could you pass me that folder on the sideboard?

Emily handed it over and sat nearby.

Ive put the flat in your name, love. All the paperworks in here.

Why, grandma? Im not even really your granddaughter.

Youre my familymy dearest. Just promise me youll stay.

Of course, Grandma. Youre all Ive got too.

Reflecting on it all now, I see that blood doesnt make a familykindness and loyalty do. Lifes shown me that the ones who stand by you, theyre the ones worth everything. Sometimes, with age and loss, you see more clearly who truly matters.