I’ll Gather Everyone Together at My Place

Gathering Everyone at Mine

Evelyn Spring put down her tablet and picked up her phone. Gran, how are you? Feeling alright? And Grandpa? Well, if hes frying up some potatoes, then he must be fine. Ive wrapped up work for today, Ill pick up Danny from football practice, well pop into Tesco, and well be home soon.

After that, Evelyn dialled another number:
Harry, hi! Im heading home, are you and Lily on your way yet? Brilliant, see you soon. Grandpas making chips well all have dinner together.

She stood up, gathered her things into her bag, and called out to her colleagues, See you all, Im off. Have a good evening!
Bye, Evelyn! Have a lovely evening! they replied.

She slipped off her work shoes under the desk, pulled on her Mac, and glanced absent-mindedly at the deepening dusk beyond the window. The city lights twinkled warmly beneath a gentle autumn evening, people hurrying home from work. Evelyn caught her reflection and smiled whod have thought shed end up living a normal, peaceful life with a family waiting at home for her each night, just like everyone else? Not so long ago, shed thought that kind of life was completely out of reach.

Her family wasnt typical, but they were close, and genuinely loved one another. Evelyns own mother had abandoned her in hospital as a baby never left a name or documents, father unknown and she was given her surname, Spring, because she was born in April. No one remembered why she was called Evelyn. She always got on better with boys, especially her best mate Harry, who was a year older and had ended up with the same surname. They both grew up in care and longed to be adopted. Evelyn, though always top of her class and endlessly helpful, never quite seemed to be chosen. Perhaps she was too awkward or just plain unlucky. When Harry was adopted, Evelyn cried all night, not out of jealousy, but from losing her only real friend.

Harry, big glasses and all, looked at her helplessly.
Evelyn, I could say no to them you know.
Dont be daft, Harry, you cant turn down a family. Go on, its your chance. Everyone gets their own path.
Ill find you, I swear! he promised, but Evelyn just laughed. She didnt really believe it.

Evelyn finished school and went on to a building college, living in halls. When she finished, social services gave her a one-bed flat on the edge of Manchester not perfect, but definitely hers. She got a job as a junior architect at a design office, settled in, and made lots of friends at work. Starting her own family could wait, she thought. But deep down, she dreamed of a bustling house, a loving husband, and kids maybe two, maybe three running about and calling Mum! and Dad! like in fairy tales.

One day, as she was approaching her block of flats, the entrance door was flung open and a young bloke darted out, nearly knocking her over, a handbag clutched in his hand. Inside, an old lady was sprawled on the steps.
My pension my bag He pushed me. Where are my glasses, I cant see!
Evelyn dashed after the lad, but hed gone. She helped the old woman up thankfully, she wasnt badly hurt and saw her safely back home, where her frail husband was stuck in bed. Evelyn began checking on them regularly, bringing food the old ladys pension had been stolen, and despite reporting it to the police, the boy disappeared. The bag, with documents inside, turned up days later outside the flats small mercies, Evelyn thought.

She started visiting Gran Tanya more and more. They managed to get a doctor out to her husband, who perked up once he was on the mend. The elderly couple began calling Evelyn their granddaughter and pleaded with her to pop in often, as they had no one else.

Then, on the bus one day, Evelyn got chatting with a bloke who smiled and said, You know, you look really familiar, have we met before?
She laughed, I dont think so.
His name was George. He lived with his mum, and he worked nearby; he seemed genuine, nice enough, almost like someone shed known for years. Before long, George was meeting her after work, walking her home, and after a while, she invited him in for tea and sandwiches. She even opened up about her childhood in care. George listened quietly, and Evelyn had a strange feeling he wanted to say something but hesitated. Did he pity her? He seemed trustworthy, but something felt off.

Next time, something unexpected happened. George called round, Evelyn put the kettle on, and as she turned he held her close.
George, lets just take things slow, yeah?
But he just squeezed her arms and then she had to scream. Georges expression turned nasty,
You grassed me up, I knew it was you from care. They told me that girl with the glasses! Even saw the e-fit only just talked my way out of trouble. Well, now youll keep quiet if you know whats good for you. No ones coming to help you. Things can get a lot worse for you, believe me.
She didnt report it. She was too scared and ashamed. A month later, she collapsed at work and ended up in hospital; it was an ectopic pregnancy and she was told she might never have children.

Gran Tanya nursed her back to health, whispered comforting words, and made her broths and herbal teas to get her strength back. But Evelyn came home from hospital utterly lost. What now? For weeks, she hardly spoke. One autumn day, not knowing where else to go, she found herself wandering to the local church. The autumn sky was deep and blue, the golden domes of the church gleamed, bells rang through the crisp air, and gardeners were tending to the last of the flowers.

Suddenly, someone called out, Spring, Evelyn?
She turned to see one of the church volunteers, who smiled broadly, Evelyn! I was looking for you!
Harry, is that you? she exclaimed, recognizing him at last. She threw her arms around him and broke down in tears. Harry gently dried her cheeks, Come on, lets get you some lunch. Theyve got tasty porridge and pies today. Well talk after.

She didnt remember sharing the whole story with Harry, but it all spilled out. He told her about being adopted, his stepdad beating him for every little thing, and how he eventually escaped, injured his leg, wandered for a while, and ended up at the church, grateful to have somewhere to start again.

On the way home, Evelyn realised how lucky she was their paths had crossed again. After those days at the monastery, they both rethought everything. Gran Tanya and Grandpa Andrew had wanted Evelyn to have their flat for years, but Evelyn and Harry had a better idea.

They suggested all living together. The old couple were over the moon theyd never imagined anyone would want to share their home with them, being old and ill as they were.

Now, five years on, Evelyn and Harry Spring are married and living on the outskirts of Manchester in a big, bright flat with plenty of space for everyone. Gran Tanya and Grandpa Andrew are firmly at home as the elders of the household. Better still, two years ago, Evelyns dream came true: they adopted Danny and Lily, both from the very same childrens home where she and Harry grew up.

Harry, do you remember how we used to wait and hope someone would take us home and wed have a place of our own? Evelyn chirped, glowing with happiness. Look into their eyes promise me well be the kind of parents we always wish wed had.

Now its:
Mum, wheres Dad? Gran, come and see what Grandpa helped us build!

Evelyn tries not to look back at the bad times anymore. She did hear, though, from Gran Tanya that her old attacker was caught again for some nasty business and sent away for a long time.

Everyone gets whats coming to them, in this life and the next.