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Don’t Leave, Mum: An English Family Story
Common wisdom says you cant judge a book by its cover.
But Barbara Smith thought that was nonsenseshe was sure she understood people better than most!
Her daughter, Emily, had gotten married just a year ago.
Barbara had pictured Emily finding a good, respectable man, settling down, having children. Shed imagined herself, the proud grandmother, at the centre of a big, happy family, just as before.
Gareth, Emilys husband, seemed clever, and it was obvious he wasnt short of money. He wore his success like a badge of honour. Still, they moved into his place, a tidy little flat, and it quickly became clear they didnt need much in the way of her advice!
Barbara was convinced Gareth was having a bad influence on her daughter.
None of this matched up to Barbaras careful plans. Gareth grated on hereverything about him seemed to rub her up the wrong way.
Mum, you just dont understand. Gareth grew up in foster care; hes made everything of himself by working hard. Hes strong, hes a good man, hes kind, Emily would plead.
Barbara would simply purse her lips, finding new flaws in Gareth to focus on.
He was nothing like he appeared when he was wooing her daughter! Barbara felt it was her duty as a mother to open Emilys eyes to this empty pretender before it became too late.
No proper education, stubborn, didnt seem to care much about anything!
Spent his weekends, for heavens sake, glued to the telly, claiming he was tired!
And her daughter was meant to spend her whole life with someone like that? Over her dead body. Emily would thank her in the end.
What about their future childrenher, Barbaras, grandchildrenwhat could a man like that teach them?
Barbara was well and truly disappointed. Meanwhile, Gareth, feeling the ice from his mother-in-law, began to avoid her, too.
They saw each other less and less. In the end, Barbara stopped coming to their flat altogether.
Emilys father, ever the gentle soul, was wise to stay neutral, knowing full well what his wife was like.
Then one evening, long after dark, Barbaras phone rang, Emilys voice trembling on the other end:
Mum, I didnt mention it earlier, but Im on a work trip for a couple of days. Gareth caught a chill at the construction site, came home from work early, really wasnt himself. I tried calling, but hes not picking up the phone.
Emily, why are you telling me all this? Barbara snapped. You two are so independent, its like your father and I dont matter anymore! As if anyone cares how Im feeling. Now its midnight and youre ringing just to talk about Gareths cold. Have you completely lost your mind?
Mum, Emilys voice wavered, worry clear, please, Im just upset you wont try to understand. We love each other. You act like Gareths some sort of nobody, but hes not! How could you think Id fall in love with a bad man? Dont you trust me?
Barbara was silent.
Mum, Im begging you. You have a key to our flat. Please, go and check on Gareth. I think somethings really wrong! Please, Mum!
Alrightonly because its you, Barbara sighed, heading off to wake her husband.
No answer came when they rang the doorbell, so Barbara let them in with her key.
The flat was dark; perhaps no one was home?
Maybe hes not here? her husband suggested, but Barbara fixed him with a stern look. She could feel Emilys worry tug at her own heart.
She entered the living room and froze. Gareth was sprawled on the sofa, twisted awkwardly. He was burning with fever!
The paramedic who arrived soon brought Gareth around.
No need to worry, looks like your sons caught a nasty infection. Tried to push through, probably works too hard, does he? the doctor said sympathetically.
Yes, he works a lot, Barbara replied quietly.
Just watch his temperature and ring us straightaway if anything changes.
Gareth slept on, while Barbara sat nearby, unsettled to find herself at her son-in-laws bedside.
He lay there pale, sweat-soaked hair clinging to his forehead. Suddenly, Barbara found herself feeling sorry for him. Asleep, he looked so much younger, his features softer.
Mum, Gareth whispered, half-dreaming, clutching her hand, Dont go Mum.
Barbara was speechless but couldnt bring herself to pull her hand away.
She kept vigil through the night.
At daybreak, Emily called anxiously:
Mum, you dont have to go, Ill be back soon, Im sure itll all be alright.
Of course, loveit already is, Barbara replied, a warm smile in her voice. Were waiting for you. Everythings fine.
*****
When Emilys first child was born, Barbara offered to help at once.
Gareth, grateful, bent and kissed her hand.
See, Emily? I told you, Mum would always want to help us.
Barbara, proudly cradling little Thomas, wandered around the room chatting happily to him.
Well, Tom, youre one lucky ladyou have the best mum, the best dad, and a smashing granny and granddad! What a charmed life youre going to have!
So perhaps theres truth in the saying: you cant judge a book by its cover.
And only love reveals what truly matters.
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She’s got grandchildren, even though she’s about fifteen years younger than me. But her childhood, her memories—they’re so different from mine. I just long for a chat with peers, people like me,” Nina Anderson explained, though she realised perfectly well that her daughter wouldn’t understand. She was still young. Her time wasn’t gone—it was just outside the window. She didn’t yet yearn for memories. Sveta was wonderful and caring; it wasn’t about her. “Mum, I got us tickets for a night of classic ballads on Tuesday. Remember you wanted to go? No more sulking—put on your burgundy dress, you look stunning in it!” “All right, darling, everything’s fine. I don’t know what came over me, good night, we’ll speak tomorrow. Go to bed early—you hardly get any sleep,” Nina changed the subject. “Yes, Mum, goodnight. Bye,” and Svetlana hung up. Nina Anderson gazed silently at the glittering evening lights outside… Year Eleven, also spring. So many plans. It seemed so recent. Her friend Irene fancied Simon Mallory from their class. But Simon liked Nina. He’d call her every evening, invite her out. But Nina thought of him as just a friend—why raise his hopes? Later Simon left for the army. He came back, married, lived in Irene’s old house. Back then everyone had a landline. The number… Nina Anderson dialled the number from memory. The tone didn’t come at once—then someone picked up, there was rustling and then a quiet man’s voice: “Hello, I’m listening.” Maybe it’s too late? Why did I call? Maybe Simon doesn’t even remember me, or maybe it’s not him at all! “Good evening,” Nina’s voice rasped a little with nerves. There was more static on the line, then suddenly she heard an astonished voice: “Nina? Is that really you? Of course it is. I’d know your voice anywhere. How did you find me? I’m only here by chance….” “Simon, you recognised me!” A wave of joyful memories swept over Nina Anderson. No one had called her by her name for ages—just “mum”, “granny”, or “Mrs Anderson”. Well, except Irene. But just “Nina” sounded so wonderful, so fresh—as if the years hadn’t passed at all. “Nina, how are you? I’m so glad to hear from you.” Those words made her ridiculously happy. She’d feared he wouldn’t recognise her, or her call would be out of place. “Do you remember Year Eleven? When Simon and Victor took you and Irene out in that rowing boat? He’d blistered his hands on the oars and tried to hide it. Then we ate ice cream on the riverside while the music played,” Simon’s voice was soft and wistful. “Of course I remember!” Nina laughed joyfully, “And that class camping trip? We couldn’t get the tins open, we were so hungry!” “Oh yes,” Simon chuckled, “Then Victor opened them and we sang songs by the campfire. Do you remember? After that, I decided to learn the guitar.” “And did you?” Nina’s voice rang with youthful delight at all these shared memories. It was like Simon was reviving their happy past, recalling detail after detail. “So, how are things now?” Simon asked, but immediately answered himself, “Actually, I can tell from your voice you’re happy. Children, grandchildren? You still writing poems? I remember: ‘To dissolve into the night and be reborn by morning!’ So full of hope! You always were like sunshine, Nina! You bring warmth to everyone, no one could be cold around you. Your family’s so lucky—to have a mum and granny like you is pure gold.” “Oh, come off it, Simon, I’m long past that. My time’s over, I—” He interrupted. “Come on, you give out so much energy I think my phone’s about to melt! Just kidding. I don’t believe you’ve lost your zest for life—not a bit. That means your time isn’t over yet, Nina. So live—and be happy. The sun shines for you. And the breeze chases clouds across the sky for you. And the birds sing for you!” “Simon, you’re still such a romantic. What about you? I’m going on and on about myself…” But suddenly there was a crackle and the call cut out. Nina sat there, phone in hand. She wanted to ring back, but it was late—better not. Another time. What a wonderful chat they’d had—so many memories! The sudden ringtone made Nina jump. Her granddaughter. “Yes, Daisy, hello, I’m still up. What did Mum say? No, my mood’s fine. I’m going to a concert with Mum. Are you coming over tomorrow? Wonderful, see you then. Bye.” In an unexpectedly good mood, Nina Anderson went to bed, head full of plans. As she drifted off, she found herself composing lines for a new poem… In the morning, Nina decided to visit Irene. Just a few stops on the tram—she wasn’t a creaky old nag yet. Irene was delighted: “At last! You’ve been promising for ages. Ooh, is that an apricot tart? My favourite! Well, spill, what’s brought this on?” Irene coughed, pressing her hand to her chest, then waved Nina’s concern away. “It’s all right, new inhaler—I’m better. Come on, let’s have tea. Nina, you look younger somehow—come on, tell me!” “I don’t know—my fifth youth!” Nina laughed as she sliced the tart. “Yesterday I rang Simon Mallory by accident… remember your crush in Year Eleven? We got to reminiscing—I’d forgotten half of it. What’s up, Irene? Not another asthma attack?” Irene sat pale and silent, then whispered: “Nina, you didn’t know? Simon passed away a year ago. He lived in another part of town—he moved from that old place ages ago.” “You must be joking! How? Who was I talking to? He remembered everything about our school days. My mood was terrible before talking to him. But after we spoke, I felt life was carrying on—that I still had strength, and joy for living… How could it be?” Nina couldn’t believe Simon was gone. “But I heard his voice. He said such beautiful things: ‘The sun shines for you. And the breeze chases clouds across the sky for you. And the birds sing for you!’” Irene shook her head, sceptical of her friend’s story. Then she surprised Nina by saying: “Nina, I don’t know how, but it really does sound like it was him. His words, his style. Simon loved you. I think he wanted to support you… from the other side. And it looks like he did. I haven’t seen you so happy and full of energy for ages. One day, someone will piece your tattered heart back together. And you’ll finally remember—what it feels like to be… simply happy.”
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