Auntie

AUNTIE

We brought Aunt Pat up from the countryside. She was getting on and running the farm alone had become too much, so my cousin Judy took her in. Her husband, Martin, never objected. He was a quiet, thin man, bespectacled, and always obeyed Judy without questionshe was loud, lively, and rather majestic.

Shes family, after all. Auntie doesnt have children of her own. Now that Mums not here, what else am I to do? Mum was thirty years younger than Aunt Pat, born to Dads second wife. Imaginemy mum left so early… Poor Auntie! Well take her in! Judy declared decisively.

Her childrenBen and Daisyhad never met Pat, and neither had Judy, really. Judy had only seen Aunt Pat a couple of times. They didnt talk on the phone, only exchanged letters. Turns out, Aunt Pat didnt own a single piece of modern technology.

So, here she was. Small, almost like a garden gnome13-year-old Ben was taller than her. Her hair was fluffy, almost like dandelion seeds. She wore a pillbox hat, and her eyes were youngpiercing blue. In her arms, she carried a bundle and a mesh shopping bag, both relics from yesteryear, along with two battered suitcases.

Tucked under her arm was a fluffy ginger cat. He glanced lazily at the flats new residents, jumped to the floor, and began exploring.

This is Clementine. Brought him with me, living soulhope you wont mind, said Aunt Pat, adding, Look at you! My own kin!

We had a welcome dinner that night. Aunt Pat brought along jars of homemade preserves and jams. Judy was amazed to see her picky children devouring the jam, gherkins, and relish, eyes wide with delight.

Judy! Do you have a garden? Ill plant everythingeven though Im not as fit as I used to be, a gardens essential. You cant go without growing your own! Aunt Pat said, with conviction.

Judy replied that no, they didnt have a garden. Who needs it? Everythings available to buy, and besides, they barely have timeshe worked two jobs, Martin as well. They only saw their children in passing. The flat was bought with a mortgage, payments stretching far ahead.

A garden is a must! Dont look at me like that, Judy. People cant be without earth. Well buy a plot, well find something, Aunt Pat said, heading to her room.

Find something, sure. We spin around, deny ourselves everything, and Aunt thinks we are millionaires! Judy grumbled, washing up.

The next day was a Sunday. Martin lounged in bed reading the paper. Judy, shouting for the kids to heat up ready meals, decided to have a nap.

Ben and eight-year-old Daisy were glued to their phones, as usual. Clementine the cat sat by them, his head swaying curiously. Aunt Pat entered.

What are you up to? she asked.

Ben and Daisy tried to explain and even show her. Aunt Pat shook her head and said, We had things like that in the villagewell, not as fancy. I never bothered though. Didnt need it. Used to send your mum lettersso much easier for me. Its handy though, isnt it? You can find anyone, anywhere. Useful invention. Right, put those down and come along!

Why? Were playing! Ben objected.

Playing where? Youre just staring at your phonesnot calling anyone, Aunt Pat replied, baffled.

We play inside themon the phone! Daisy squeaked.

Aunt Pat started telling tales from her childhood games in the countryside, then led the children to the kitchen.

Judy returned to find a plate of pancakes on the table. Ben sipped tea happily, Daisy wrapping dumplings with Aunt Pat.

Look, Mum! This onell be lucky if its yours! Daisy smiled.

Martin soon wandered in, sniffing appreciatively.

From now on, Sundays are for dumplings and pancakeshomemade! Best to have your own! Aunt Pat declared.

It makes no sensewe can buy everything now! protested Judy, who hated cooking. She preferred frozen and ready-made foods. The family never mindeduntil now.

No, Mum. Lets make them ourselves. Ive never tasted dumplings like these! Ben said.

Soon, Aunt Pat pulled out a ball of elastic, tied it between two chairs, and showed Daisy how they used to play elastics in the countryside.

And you lot? Dont jump like this? she asked.

Nah, even if they go outside, theyre glued to their phonesmodern kids, Martin grumbled.

Thats not right! You need to talk face-to-face. Phones are useful, but you should use them as intendedfor calls or sending messages. And thats that! Aunt Pat declared.

Evenings found her knitting, Clementine sprawled smugly on the armchair.

Mum, come see! Daisy called for Judy one day.

Judy stepped into the hallway, then cautiously peeked into the bathroom.

Aunt Pat was gently stroking the washing machine, murmuring, Happy Womens Day, washing machine! Bless you for many years, dear!

Aunt Pat, what are you doing? Judy whispered, fearing Aunt Pat had lost her mind.

Well, its March 8th. The washing machines a girl, isnt she? So I thought Id congratulate her! Aunt Pat laughed.

But its just a machinehow silly! Judy snorted.

All machines understand, dont say that. Once, in my village, Vasilys tractor nearly got stuckhe encouraged it sweetly, and it worked itself free. And Kuzma never gets into his car without wishing it wellcalls it Petronella. You lot dont realise how lucky you are! We washed everything by handso much of itdown to the river for rinsing. Look at all these conveniences, yet you still walk around gloomy! Phones are handyif used right. You always know where your children are. The machine does all the washing, clever thing. And the microwave heats everything Shed look at everything around, beaming like a child, Aunt Pat.

Now she met the kids from school.

Ben once had trouble with classmates. He never told his parents. Crying in his corner at home, Aunt Pat came in resolutely. Ben poured out his heart, barely realising how. The next day, he didnt go to school for the first two lessons. The house was oddly quietnot even Aunt Pats familiar footsteps sounded.

Probably went for a walk, Ben thought.

He went to school, paused by his class. He thought he recognised a voicepeeked through the cracked door. The teacher sat quietly, and at the frontAunt Pat, telling something passionately.

Oh no! Why did she come? Theyll laugh! Ben leaned against the door.

But no one did. The lesson ended. His classmates crowded around Aunt Pat. Ben slipped inside. Pete, the class clown, came over.

Hey, why were you late? Your grannys brilliant! Shes told us so much. Wish I had a grandmaI really miss mine. Your Aunts promised to take us to the park tomorrow. She knows so much about plants and animalsreally interesting! The teacher let her speak, Pete grinned.

Yeah… shes special, Ben laughed and dashed to Aunt Pat to hug her.

That evening, Judy broke down in tears. She was exhausted, and Aunt Pat appeared again.

Dont cry, love. Everythings alright. Why the tears?

Im worn out! Work so much, barely live. Martins so meek, and other women have proper men. Ive become… Well, what, exactly? Women like me arent fashionable, Judy sobbed on Aunt Pats shoulder.

Aunt Pat let her cry, made tea, then spoke softlyabout losing three children as babies, about her strong, handsome husband who died young, about battling serious illness, losing weight, enduring agony, but somehow surviving.

Whats this nonsense about people having to fit a mould? God made everyone uniquely. Some slender like grass, others with curves. Peoples tastes differ, Judy darling. Used to be grand ladies were appreciated! Youre wonderfulcurly hair, big blue eyes, nice figure. Value what youve gotothers have nothing. So many lonely people! Martins goldencaring, loving, everything for the family. And your childrensuch happiness! Everything else will sort itself. Oh, I forgot something… Well, bedtime! Aunt Pat left Judy in the kitchen.

Judy suddenly didnt feel like crying. She had everythingwhy had she become so maudlin? Aunt Pat was right.

On Judys first day of long-awaited leave, she waited for Martin to come home. He didnt.

Kids! Has Dad called? Where are you?

Ben was mixing something in a bowl. Hed developed a surprising passion for cooking, flipping pancakes mid-air. Daisy built a fortress of chairs, covering them with blankets and settling her toys inside.

Their phones lay untouched, except to answer calls. Judy noticed they hadnt been glued to them lately.

She tried calling Martin repeatedlya recorded message replied, This numbers unavailable.

Suddenly, she panicked. Aunt Pat! Where was she? No slippers shuffling, no calm, familiar voice.

She rushed to Aunt Pats room. Clementine stretched lazily on the bed.

Ben! Daisy! Wheres Aunt Pat? Judy cried.

The children ran in.

We came home with her after school, then she went out, Daisy whispered.

When? Daisy, when? Judy gaspedher daughter nodded and began to cry.

Oh God! We bought her a mobile, but she never takes it. How could she go off like this? Shes elderly! Judy collapsed into a chair.

Ben hurried to put on his shoes.

Where are you going? Judy followed.

To search! Mum, we cant manage without her! Ben called, running for the door.

Daisy slipped into her trainers and followed her brother.

Judy, dressing on the run, chased after.

The children stood outside the building, smiling broadly.

Whats going on? Judy asked.

They pointed left.

And there, walking arm-in-arm with Martin, Aunt Pat came, her hat decorated with poppies.

Auntie! You frightened usa few hours gone, out of the house! And youwhereve you been? Judy buried herself in Martins shoulder.

Yes, weve been off fixing your leaky… whats it… faucet! Aunt Pat explained.

What? But… How? Judy managed.

We wanted to surprise you. Aunt Pats amazinga lifesaver! Martin laughed.

Auntie… Where did you get the money? You shouldnt have, Judy started.

What do you mean? First, Ive been savingmy pensions a good one. I ran my own farm, hardly spent anything. Eggs, milk, bread, all homemade. Second, I sold my house. What goods money to me now? Pockets dont come in coffins! I meant to leave it all to you anyway. Better to give it now, when its needed, Aunt Pat replied simply.

Judy was speechless. No need for two jobs now. More time with the family. How wonderful!

Tomorrow well drive out of townlook at a cottage! Martin and I have already picked one! Aunt Pat went on.

Well have our own house! Yes! A garden! You promised to teach us to spot fireflies properly, weave baskets, and make secret treasures from glass and flowers we can dig up later! The children hugged Aunt Pat.

All together, arm in arm, they walked home.

Judy lingered in front of the building, looked up at the clouds, and whispered,

Thank you. Thank you for Aunt Pat!Above, the clouds seemed to part just for her, letting a warm shaft of sunlight strike the pavement at her feet. Judy took a long, deep breath and felt the weight of old worries melt awayleaving, in their place, a quiet joy she hadnt known in years.

Inside, Ben and Daisy were already chattering about vegetables they wanted to plant: sunflowers, pumpkins, tomatoes. Martin was laughing, the sound richer and freer than Judy had ever heard, as Aunt Pat shared the absurd tale of a goat who outwitted a stubborn donkey back at her old farm. Clementine purred, weaving between their legsa little guardian, content in his new domain.

Judy stepped into the flat, feeling something healed between them all. The pancake batter simmered, the dumplings steamed, and laughter released itself in burstseach moment stitched together with threads Aunt Pat had brought: patience, generosity, wisdom, and the courage to make space for joy.

For the first time in so long, the family ate togethernot hurried, not distracted, but present. Judy watched Aunt Pat, her pillbox hat a little askew, eyes sparkling, hands efficient and gentle. There was magic in the simplest actsa blessing in daily life shed been too busy to notice until Aunt Pat brought it to the surface.

Later, as darkness fell and streetlights haloed the windows, Daisy pressed up against Judy, whispering, I think Aunt Pats going to stay forever, Mum. Judy smiled, wrapping her arms around her daughter and her son, Martin at her side, Aunt Pat humming softly as she folded a blanket nearby.

In the peace of the night, Judy realizedsome gifts didnt come wrapped, but in moments made, in hearts mended, and in memories yet to bloom. The farmhouse days were gone, but Aunt Pat had carried their warmth into the city, planting them where a new family could grow.

And so, all together, they stepped quietly into tomorrowgrateful, hopeful, and wholeunder the gentle watch of Aunt Pats blue eyes and Clementines vigilant paws.