Mum, Please Smile Arina never liked it when the neighbours came over and asked her mum to sing a so…

Mum, Give Us a Smile

Emily never liked it when the neighbours popped round and asked her mum to sing a song.

Anna, sing us something, youve got such a lovely voice! And you dance so well, theyd say, sparking up a tune while the others would join her, sometimes all of them dancing together out in the garden.

Back then, Emily lived with her parents and younger brother, Thomas, in a house in a small English village. Her mum was always cheerful and friendlyafterwards, when the neighbours left, shed say, Do come again! It was lovely having you, and theyd promise to return.

Emily felt embarrassed when her mum sang and danced, though she couldnt say exactly why. She was in Year 5 at the time and one day admitted, Mum, please dont sing or dance when people are around. I get embarrassed. Even now, as a grown woman and a mum herself, she struggles to explain it.

But Anna would reassure her, Em, dont be shy when I sing. Be happy. I wont always be young to sing and dance forever.

Of course, Emily didnt think much of it then. She didnt yet know that life isnt always full of happy moments.

When Emily reached Year 6 and her brother was just starting Year 2, their father left. He packed his bags and disappeared for good. Emily hadnt a clue what had happened between her parents. As a teenager, she finally asked, Mum, why did Dad leave us?

Youll find out when youre older, Anna replied.

The truth was, Anna had come home unexpectedly one morning after forgetting her purse, only to find her husband at home with another woman, Vera, who lived nearby. Emily and Thomas were at school, Anna was meant to be at work. Seeing the bedroom door ajar, Anna walked in on an unpleasant scene. Ivan and Vera sat there, smiling sheepishly as if surprised to see her.

That evening, when Ivan returned from work, things exploded. The kids were outside and didnt hear a thing.

Take your things. Ive packed your bag in the bedroom. Go. Ill never forgive this betrayal, Anna told him.

Ivan tried his luck, Anna, we all make mistakes. Can we forget it? Think of the children.

But Anna was resolute. I said go, she replied and walked out into the garden.

Ivan slunk away, and Anna watched from the corner of the house, biting back tears. She never wanted to see him again, so deep was the hurt he had caused her.

Well get by, somehow, the children and I, she cried to herself. Ill never forgive his betrayal.

She meant it. She was left with two young children and quickly learned just how tough things would be. She took on two jobs, scrubbing floors by day and working nights in the local bakery. She hardly slept, and the smile faded from her face.

Even though their father lived just a few doors down with Vera and her own son, Emily and Thomas still saw him. Anna didnt stop them. Veras boy was Thomass age and in his class at school. The children would visit their dad and play together, but always ate meals at home. Vera never offered snacks or mealsjust let them stay and play.

Sometimes Veras son would come back with Emily and Thomas to their house, raising a few eyebrows among the neighbours. But Anna would feed whoever turned up, not holding any grudges against her ex-husbands stepson. Still, Emily never saw her mothers smile again. Anna was warm and loving in her own guarded way, but she withdrew from the world.

Emily longed for her mum to speak to her. Shed chatter about her day after school, hoping to see a spark of interest.

Mum, guess whatGavin brought a kitten to class and it kept meowing during lessons! The teacher had no idea where the sound was coming from and told Gavin off until we all said it was in his schoolbag. She sent him out, kitten and all, and called his mum in.

Right. I see was all Anna would say.

Nothing seemed to make Anna smile. Some nights, Emily heard her mum crying. Shed stand at the window for ages, staring listlessly into the night.

It was only when Emily was older that she truly understood. Mum must have been utterly exhausted, working two jobs and barely sleeping. She probably didnt have enough good food or vitamins. But she always tried her best for Thomas and me. We were always neat and tidy, clothes scrubbed clean and ironed, Emily would remember.

Back then, shed gently plead, Mum, please smile. I havent seen your smile in so long.

Anna loved her children deeply, but her affection was quietpraise for good marks, kindness, a hearty meal, a tidy home. She didnt hug them much, but Emily felt loved whenever her mum plaited her hair, gently stroking her head, although sorrow seemed to weigh down her shoulders.

Annas teeth began falling out young, and she never bothered getting them replaced.

When Emily finished school, she didnt even consider going away for collegeshe couldnt leave her mum on her own, knowing money was tight. So she took a job at the local shop. She did her best to help her mother, as Thomas was growing fast and always needed new shoes and clothes.

One day, a man named Michael popped into the shop. He wasnt local but from another village just five miles away. He was nine years older and took a liking to Emily right off.

Whats your name, love? I havent seen you here before, he asked, smiling.

Emily. Ive not seen you, either.

Im from the next village over. Names Michael.

Thats how it all began. Michael would often drive over to see Emily, picking her up after shifts, taking her out for walks or drives, sometimes showing her his home. He lived with his mum, who was seriously ill. His wife had divorced him and moved to the market town with their daughter, unwilling to look after her mother-in-law.

Michaels house was large, his farm was thriving, and hed set out spreads of cream, meat, and sweets whenever Emily visited. She liked him. His mum kept to her own room.

Emily, will you marry me? Michael asked one day. Youd really make me happy. Ill say this up front: Ill need help looking after my mum, but I promise Ill help too.

Emily said nothing at first, but she was pleased. She didnt mind caring for his sick mother. Michael waited anxiously for her answer.

Might as well say yesat least Ill have plenty of food, she thought to herself. Alright, Ill marry you, she said aloud, making Michael beam.

Im so happy, Em. I never thought a young woman like you would agree to marry a divorced man like me, but I promise, Ill never hurt you. Well be happy.

He worked hard and did more than his share on the farm.

After the wedding, Emily moved in with Michael. If she was honest, she wasnt sad to leave home. Thomas was grown and studying mechanics at college, only coming home during weekends and holidays.

Time passed. Emily was genuinely happy with Michael, and they soon had two sons, one after the other. She stopped working to care for the boys and the house. Michaels mother passed away after theyd been married two years, but there was plenty to do on the farm. Michael would warn her off heavy chores:

You leave those heavy buckets to me, love. You just milk the cow and feed the hens and ducksIll look after the pigs.

Emily knew her husband loved her and their children dearly. Shed been raised in a small household, but learned to run a large home effortlessly. Michael was generous, always making sure his own mumand Emilyswere well looked after.

Emily, lets take your mum some meat and cream and milk. She has to buy it otherwise, and weve always got plenty, hed say.

Anna accepted their gifts with thanks, but Emily still never saw her smile, not even around the grandchildren. They visited her oftenEmily longed for her mums spark to return.

Em, why dont you go and see the vicar at church, see if he has any advice? Michael suggested one day. Emily decided to try. The vicar said hed pray for her mum and encouraged Emily to ask God that her mother would meet someone kind.

One day, Anna rang her up and asked, Love, can you lend me some money? I want to get some teeth put in.

Oh, Mum! Emily was overjoyed. Let me pay for it all. Id love to! But she knew her mum wouldnt allow that.

She gave Anna what she needed, and Anna promised to pay her back. Time passed; Emily hadnt visited lately, as Michael was busy helping his Uncle Colin move from town to the village. Colins wife had left him now the children were grown, so hed bought a nice house near Michael and Emily. Sometimes, theyd pop in together for a cuppa.

One day, Michael came home and announced, You know, I think Uncle Colin wants to get married again. I heard him talking on the phone the other day

Good for him! Emily replied. Hes not an old man; that house of his could do with a womans touch.

Soon after, Colin invited them over for tea. Ive met someonemy first love, we were at school together. Shes moving in tomorrow, so come round in a couple of days.

Emily and Michael arrived bearing gifts. As Emily stepped through the door, she was stunned. Standing before her, a little bashful but finally smiling, was her own mum. Anna looked years younger, transformed.

Mum! I cant believe it Why didnt you say anything?

I didnt want to tell you too soon. What if it hadnt worked out?

Uncle Colin, why keep it quiet?

I was scared Anna might change her mind. But now were happy.

Michael and Emily were over the moon for them. Anna shone with happiness, finally smiling all the time.

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