Packed My Bags and Left My Relative Behind

You think I dont get why youve turned up here? Aunt Linda sneered, her smile as sharp as a butchers knife. The house is lovely, the garden a tidy halfacre in the centre of the village. Youre not clueless, Poppy! Youve done the maths, havent you?

I was scrubbing the dishes when Aunt Linda swung open the front door.

Aunt Linda, what on earth are you on about? I sighed. A house? You asked me to come when you were stuck in hospital.

Id long suspected she wasnt thrilled about my staying, but shed needed a hand after her recent operation. It was for her, after all.

Dont twist my words! she snapped, stepping straight toward me.

The sudden perfume hit my nose like a splash of vinegar.

I asked for help, not a freeforall! she went on. I thought youd be here a week, at most two. Instead youve lugged in your bags, taken the spare room, and even claimed a spot in the kitchen!

She meant that chipped white mug Id rescued from the back of the cupboard. In her eyes it was proof of a cunning plot.

Linda, I get up at six every morning just to water your beds, I dash back at lunch to heat your soup, I tidy up and wash the laundry each evening, and I spend every weekend weeding your plot because your blood pressure wont let you bend. And you think Im doing it for an inheritance?

Then what else could it be? she huffed, eyes narrowing. A pretty young thing with nothing to do? No life of her own?

I wanted to tell her I felt sorry for her, that the doctor had warned she couldnt manage alone. Id thought Id stick around a while, help her get back on her feet, and see what happened then.

But looking at her, I realised arguing would be pointless. Shed never believe me.

You know, Poppy, she turned back to the stove, pots clanging, Im not born yesterday. Ive seen helpers beforefirst they care, then they start hunting for a will. Ill tell you now, you wont outlive me. This house is mine, the garden is mine, and Im the only one who runs this place!

I didnt take offense. It was more of an eyeopener, a splash of cold water. Her nitpicking had worn me thin over the months. Shed find fault with a salty soup, a wrinkled apron, the wrong loaf of bread. Id chalked it up to old age and loneliness, but now I saw it was pure distrust. She couldnt fathom anyone being genuinely altruistic.

Youre right, I said calmly. Why hang around if you already know everything about me?

I slipped into my room and began packing.

Behind the door came Aunt Lindas footsteps. She followed, watching me fold my things. At first she seemed almost relieved, then, at the last moment, she hesitatedas if she couldnt believe Id actually go. Maybe she thought I was just stalling.

What are you up to? she asked, uncertain.

Leaving, I muttered over my shoulder. Just as you wanted. I wont be eyeing your estate any longer.

Oh, I didnt mean that, she tried to smooth over, her voice softening a touch.

Where will you go now? Your flat already has tenants.

Ill manage, I replied. Ill crash at Katies for a night, then find somewhere else.

Dont be ridiculous, she waved her hand. I was only being casual.

Aunt Linda, I said evenly, do you know why I really came?

Do tell, she prompted, a hint of wariness in her tone.

Because Mum always said, Aunt Linda is a tough cookie, but shes all alone. No one else in the family. When you called from the hospital, I thought, How awful, shes stuck with high blood pressure, a garden, and that huge house. So I camenot for a month, just to help.

And thats why youre helping for the house? she muttered, less confidently.

The frail, arthritisgnawed hands of the old woman refused to believe my sincerity.

No, I snapped my bag shut. Just to help. Because youre family. Because thats the right thing. But you dont want help; youd rather think everyones out to get you. Its easier to see yourself as a victim and everyone else as a villain. You cant even imagine Im a normal person caring about you. So we cant live under the same roof.

She fell silent, a puzzled look on her face. I wasnt sure if shed grasped anything.

Im leaving, I said. Do as you please. Keep suspecting everyone, keep blaming them for greed. But remember this chat when you feel ill again. Remember how you accused the only person who showed up for you of selfishness. Maybe thatll give you pause.

I walked past her into the hallway, slipped on my trainers, grabbed my coat from the rack. Aunt Linda stared, a mix of hurt, anger, and bewilderment.

Gardens watered, I called over my shoulder. Laundrys done, youll need to hang it. There are enough mince pies for two days in the fridgejust heat them up. The bloodpressure tablets are on the bedside table. Dont forget them.

Aunt Linda she began, but Id already closed the door.

How could she be so sure nobody can be trusted? I thought. So convinced that everyones after her good will?

With that thought I stepped out into the cottage yard, turned at the gate, and saw Aunt Linda on the porch, simply watching me walk away. The whole walk to the bus stop was a replay of the mornings drama. And the saddest part? Shell surely find an excuse for herself, feel no shame, feel no remorse, and keep casting herself as the wounded heroine.