Auntie

AUNT

Aunt Pat was brought in from the countryside. The elderly lady was struggling to keep up with her smallholding, so my wife, Lydia, decided to bring her to our city flat.

I didnt mind Im Alex, by the way bookish, quiet, slim, and not great in a crowd. I always did whatever Lydia wanted. She was loud and generous, with a laugh that filled rooms and an attitude that pulled people along.

Shes family, after all, Lydia said, settling the matter. She hasnt got children, and now I dont have Mum anymore. Mum was thirty years younger than Aunt Pat she was Dads daughter from his second marriage. And yet, my mums gone so early Poor Aunt! Lets have her live with us. That was that.

Our kids, Colin and Alice, had never met Aunt Pat before. Truth be told, Lydia herself hadnt seen her more than twice. Theyd exchanged letters, but never phoned Aunt Pat didnt own a mobile or anything remotely modern.

Then she arrived, tiny as a gnome (even thirteen-year-old Colin was taller), fluffy hair like a dandelion, a little pillbox hat perched atop, and eyes bolder and bluer than any childs.

She carried an old bundle, a string bag, and two battered suitcases. In her arms she cradled a bushy, ginger cat who peered lazily around, hopped down and began exploring the flat.

Thats Marmalade, Aunt Pat announced. Had to bring him. Hes alive, after all, so please dont mind.

She looked around fondly. Well, arent you all just my lovelies! she beamed.

That evening, we had a feast. Aunt Pat had brought jars of preserves, pickled cucumbers and cabbage, and homemade jams. Lydia was astonished to see the kids tucking in theyd always been picky, but now they devoured everything.

Lydia, do you have a garden? Let me plant things, even if my health isnt what it was You need to grow your own, you know! Aunt Pat declared.

Lydia shook her head. No garden. What for? You can buy anything nowadays, and were always busy. I work two jobs, Alex too. We barely see the kids. Weve got a mortgage to pay for years yet.

You need a garden, love. People cant do without the earth. Well find a plot, said Aunt Pat, heading off to her room.

Well find one, right Lydia grumbled while washing up. She thinks were millionaires!

The next day was Saturday. I lay about reading the paper, blissfully relaxed. Lydia shouted that the kids should heat up some ready meals, then went back to bed for a nap.

Colin and eight-year-old Alice were glued to their phones, as usual.

Marmalade, the cat, sat nearby, swaying his head. Aunt Pat walked in.

Whats all that then? she asked.

Colin and Alice rushed to explain and show her their games. Aunt Pat frowned, then said, We had something like that in our village, but simpler. Never needed one myself. I liked writing letters to your mum, found it easier. Still, handy thing, isnt it? You can find anyone, anywhere. A clever invention. But come on, put them away and come with me!

Why? Were playing! protested Colin.

Where are you playing? Youre just sitting on your phones, not calling anyone, Aunt Pat said, puzzled.

But were playing inside inside the phone! piped Alice.

Aunt Pat started telling them how she used to play in the village, then coaxed the kids into the kitchen.

When Lydia poked her head round the corner, she was stunned. There was a plate of pancakes on the table. Colin beamed over a cup of tea and Alice stood by Aunt Pat, helping wrap homemade dumplings.

Look, Mum! Could be a lucky one maybe youll find it! Alice grinned.

Soon, I came in as well, drawn by the delicious smells.

From now on, well make dumplings and pancakes together every Saturday! Eat what you make its the best! Aunt Pat declared.

But we can buy all that ready-made I dont see the point, Lydia protested, who hated cooking. She preferred buying frozen and ready meals, and the family had never seemed fussed. Until today.

No, Mum, lets make them ourselves. Ive never tasted dumplings like these! Colin insisted.

After that, Aunt Pat took a ball of elastic and tied it round the chairs, showing Alice how she played skipping games back in the village.

Dont you jump like this? she asked.

Oh, they go outside, phones in hand! Modern kids! I joked.

Thats no good! You need to talk face-to-face. Phones are useful, but use them for calls and messages, and thats it! Aunt Pat declared.

In the evenings, she knitted, Marmalade lounging beside her.

Mum, come see! Alice tugged Lydia away one day to the bathroom.

Aunt Pat was stroking the washing machine, murmuring, Happy International Womens Day, washing machine! Serve us well, dear!

Aunt Pat, what are you doing? Lydia whispered, worried shed lost her mind.

Todays 8th March, love! Washing machines a girl, so she deserves congratulations! Aunt Pat laughed.

But its not alive, Aunt Pat, thats silly! Lydia scoffed.

Machines understand, dont say that. At our village, Vasily once spoke kindly to his tractor, and it got him out of a bog. Kuzma always gives his car pep-talks, calls her Petronella before every trip. You folk have no idea how lucky you are! We used to wash linen by hand, always down to the river. Now look: phones let you know where your kids are, the machine does all the laundry, the microwave heats your dinner isnt it wonderful? Aunt Pat marvelled.

She started meeting the kids after school, too.

One day, Colin had trouble at school, but hadnt told his parents. While he sobbed in the corner, Aunt Pat entered. Colin poured his heart out before he realised, and the next morning, skipped his first two lessons. The house was strangely quiet, and Aunt Pat wasnt around.

She must have gone for a walk, thought Colin, and headed to school. Near the classroom door, he heard a familiar voice. Peeking in, the teacher sat quietly while Aunt Pat stood by the board, engaging the class.

Oh no, why did she come? Theyll laugh at me! Colin hid.

But no one laughed. When the lesson ended, his classmates surrounded Aunt Pat. Pete, the chief troublemaker, came to Colin.

Hey, youre late today. Your grans brilliant! She told us loads. Wish I had a grandma I miss her so much. Tomorrow she promised to take us to the park, to teach us about plants and animals! The teacher let her talk, shes awesome! Pete grinned.

Yeah, shes great, Colin smiled, rushing to hug Aunt Pat.

That night, Lydia broke down. Exhausted, she wept. Aunt Pat was there in a flash.

Dont cry, darling. Whats wrong? Everythings alright, isnt it? Why are you sobbing?

Im tired! I work all hours, see no life. Alex just goes along with everything. Other women have proper husbands! I feel invisible. People like me, were out of fashion Lydia sobbed into Aunt Pats shoulder.

Aunt Pat let her cry, brewed tea, and talked about losing three children as babies, losing her strong, handsome husband too young, and facing illness alone. Somehow, she survived.

What fashion for people is this? God made each uniquely. Some are slender as reeds, some are curvy. Tastes come and go. Once, round ladies were prized! Youre beautiful natural curls, big blue eyes, nice figure. Appreciate what youve got. Alex is golden, loving, devoted. Your kids are a blessing! Everything else sorts out. Now, enough I forgot something Time for bed! Aunt Pat left Lydia in the kitchen.

Lydia suddenly felt lighter. Aunt Pat was right everything she needed was right here.

One day, Lydia waited for Alex after work (at last, she had her long-awaited holiday), but he hadnt returned. She checked on the kids.

Colin was busy cooking, visibly taking a new interest in food flipping pancakes mid-air now. Alice built a fort out of chairs, hung blankets, and arranged her toys. Both kids phones sat untouched on the shelf; lately, they only answered calls.

Frustrated, Lydia kept ringing Alex, hearing Number not available.

Then panic struck Where was Aunt Pat? There was no sign of her gentle shuffling, her calm voice.

She raced to the guest room. Only Marmalade lounged lazily.

Colin! Alice! Wheres Aunt Pat? Lydia gasped.

The kids hurried in.

We came home with her from school, then she went out, whispered Alice.

How long ago, Alice? How long? Lydia cried. Alice nodded, tears flowing.

Oh God! Shes elderly, and we got her a mobile but she never takes it! Now what? Lydia slumped into a chair.

Colin threw on his coat.

Where are you going? Lydia chased after him.

To find her! Mum, we cant manage without her! Colin dashed down the stairs.

Alice pulled on trainers and dashed after him. Lydia followed.

At the front door, the children stood grinning.

Whats happened? asked Lydia.

They pointed left.

From there, Aunt Pat approached in her poppy-patterned hat, arm-in-arm with Alex.

Aunt! You scared us! Out all afternoon, without a word, and youwhere have you been? Lydia demanded, hugging Alex.

We went to sort your leaking pipe, Aunt Pat declared.

What? How? Lydia could only stammer.

We wanted to surprise you. Aunt Pat wonderful, isnt she? She saved us! Alex laughed.

Aunt, where did you get the money? You shouldnt have! started Lydia.

What do you mean? First, I saved up. My pension is decent; I barely spent anything with my own smallholding eggs, milk, bread, all homemade. Second, I sold my cottage. Why keep it? There are no pockets in a coffin. I meant to leave it all to you anyway. Better to give it straight away, Aunt Pat said simply.

Lydia was quiet. Now, she and Alex wouldnt need to work double shifts; more time for family awaits. What a relief!

Yes, tomorrow we head out of town. Weve already picked a cottage! Aunt Pat announced.

A home of our own! Hooray! A garden! You promised to teach us about fireflies, and basket-weaving, and how to bury secret glass-with-flowers treasures for us to dig up again! The children hugged Aunt Pat.

All together, arms linked, we walked back inside.

Lydia paused at the doorway, looked up to the clouds, and whispered:

Thank you. Thank you for Aunt Pat.

I learned that family support and kindness often change lives in quiet, lasting ways and happiness grows around us when we embrace it.