The Granddaughter’s Journey.

Ill never forget the day my granddaughter, Emily, first came into the world. Her mother, Jane, never wanted her. To Jane, Emily was just another piece of furniture in the flatthere one day, gone the next.

Janes fights with Emilys father, Robert, had been constant. When Robert finally left her for his lawful wife, Jane snapped completely. Hes gone, has he? So he never meant to dump his rubbish in the first place! Hes stolen my nerves! she screamed into the phone. Now he abandons me and his child? Ill throw her out the window or leave her at the station with the hobos!

Emily sobbed quietly, the cold indifference of her mother soaking into her like a sponge. I dont give a toss what you do with my daughter. I doubt shes even mine. Goodbye, Robert replied, his voice flat on the other end.

In a fit of rage, Jane shoved Emilys tiny coat into a bag, tossed in some papers, and snatched the fiveyearold into a cab. Ill show him! Ill show everyone! she muttered, her tone dripping with arrogance as she gave the driver an address in the Midlands. She intended to drop Emily off with Roberts mother, whom shed heard lived on a farm outside the village.

The driver, a middleaged man with a young granddaughter of his own, grew impatient with Janes haughty answers to his questions. Mum, I need to use the loo, Emily whispered, pressing her head against Janes shoulder, not expecting any kindness.

Janes response was a harsh bark, so fierce the drivers hands trembled as if ready to give her a slap. Hold your tongue, you little terror! he muttered, trying to keep his cool.

Dont you dare, you old witch, Jane snarled, turning away and staring out the window, her nostrils flaring. If you dont behave, Ill hand you over to social services.

You shut up! Emily spat back, her voice trembling. You think youre some kind of guardian? Ill report you for leering at me and making indecent proposals. Wholl believesome cab driver or a scared, crying mother? Ill raise her however I like, so zip it!

The man clenched his jaw. Dealing with someone so unhinged was a waste of his time, even if he felt sorry for the little girl.

After about an hour and a half, they arrived. Jane turned away, only to hear the driver slam the accelerator. Youll have to walk, you snake! shouted someone from the back seat.

Emily spat out a curse and grabbed her mothers hand, kicking the gate as they entered the front garden. Take it! Do whatever you want with her. My son gave his blessing. I dont need her! Jane shouted, her voice hoarse, before striding out in high heels.

Grandma Eleanor, who lived a short drive away, watched the chaos with a bewildered expression.

Mum! Mum! Dont go! Emily wailed, her tiny fists smudged with tears. She lunged after Jane, who was already halfoutside.

Get away from me! Go live with your own grandmother! Jane snarled, trying to yank Emilys fingers from her plaid skirt.

Neighbouring residents began to peek from their windows. Eleanor, clutching her chest as if from shock, chased after the shrieking Jane.

Come on, love, lets go. Youre my dear little berry, Eleanor cooed, tears streaming down her lined face. Shed never known Emilys mother at all.

Robert never bothered to acknowledge the illegitimate child. I wont hurt you, dont fear. Want some pancakes? Ive got butter and cream, Eleanor said gently, guiding Emily toward the house.

At the gate, Eleanor saw Janes car disappear down the lane, leaving only a puff of dust. No one ever heard from Jane again. Eleanor embraced Emily, convinced the child was a gift from God. She saw herself in the girls bright eyes, just as she saw a miniature version of her own late husband, Tom, who visited the countryside rarely.

Ill raise you, Emily. Ill put you on your feet, give you everything I can, Eleanor promised, her voice steady. And she did. She brought Emily up with love and care, taking her to school, watching her grow into a bright, kind, and wellread young woman who dreamed of medical schoolthough at the moment she was only in a local college.

Pity my father wont recognise me, Emily sighed, hugging Eleanor. In the evenings they liked to sit on the terrace steps, watching the sunset over the fields.

Eleanors shaking hand stroked Emilys silky hair. Robert, her son, had firmly refused any involvement in his daughters life. Hed reconciled with his first wife, Liza, and was busy with their son, Harry, who meant the world to him. He despised Emily, calling her a raggirl whenever he visited, trying to belittle her at every chance.

One day, youll be a doctor, Eleanor whispered, though Roberts harsh words still echoed.

Roberts own wife, Claire, once demanded more money from him, complaining about his pension. You work, I work, and you still beg for a penny from your mother! she spat. Robert snarled back, Youll die before I see you again! He stormed out, never to return.

Eleanor muttered a prayer, May God judge him, and settled down for tea, preparing Emilys school certificates for the next day.

Summer flew by with garden chores, and soon the time came to send Emily off to the city for university. Well need a lift to the college, Eleanor said, arranging for the neighbour, Victor, to drive them.

Emily clung to her grandmother. Dont think Im old and frail, Eleanor chuckled, wiping away tears. Youre my pride; study hard. Im not much longer.

Emily forced a smile. Stop it, Gran. Youre spry as a spring chicken! Eleanor laughed, then got into Victors car, heading to the solicitors office to sort out the house papers. After that, she returned to her cottage in the village.

Emily visited every weekend, worrying about Eleanors health, cramming for exams, and dreaming of graduating with honors to become a doctor and care for her grans old age. Later she fell for her classmate, Sam, a diligent lad also aiming for medical school. Eleanor beamed at the news. When Emily earned a topclass diploma, the couple married at twenty, in a modest hall of a local community centre, with only Eleanor as guest.

Youre not just my beloved gran. Youre my mother and father rolled into one. All these years youve given me warmth and love. You fed me, clothed me, and gave me a home. I love you, Gran. Thank you for everything, Emily whispered, tears glistening, as she knelt and embraced Eleanor.

Sit up, love, Eleanor whispered, her heart swelling with pride. Theres nothing to be shy about.

Whats there to be embarrassed about? Sam boomed, pulling Eleanor into his seat. Youre now the matriarch of our big family! Welcome! He gestured around, his arm sweeping over his bustling clan.

The evening was filled with toasts to the newlyweds and to Eleanors remarkable upbringing of such a fine young woman. Soon after, Eleanor grew frail. She passed away peacefully in her sleep after a year and a half of gentle care, her duties fulfilled.

A month later, Robert turned up with his new family, demanding the house back. Clear out! he shouted, his voice cold. While my mother was alive you could stay, but now shes gone, so get out!

Emily stared at his contemptuous face, at his wife shed never met, at his brother chewing gum and eyeing the cottage. He was already scheming how to sell the property and buy a flashy car, leaving the girls to beg for rides.

Sam arrived from the market, eyes narrowed at the intruders. Who are you lot? Bringing trouble again? Robert barked.

Sam calmly set his grocery bag down. Im her legal husband. And you are? he asked, eyebrow raised.

Roberts face flushed with fury. Show me the deed! he demanded.

Deed? Sam echoed, feigning surprise. Your wifes been rattling off about a lawsuit. Well be in court soon enough. Robert sputtered, Ill prove she isnt my daughter, that shes not my mothers granddaughter! He flailed his fists, the room trembling with his rage.

Pack your bags, you raggirl, Sam snarled, Well make sure you never live here again. The halfbrothers threat only fueled Roberts anger.

Emily sank to the floor, covering her face with her hands, sobbing. Why are they doing this? Ive never even had a candy from my father. Now they want to strip me of the only home Ive ever known?

Sam lifted her gently. Tomorrow well put the house on the market. Theyll have nowhere to hide, and youll finally be free from this nightmare. Remember, Gran always said we should sell and move to the city.

The house sold swiftly to wealthy buyers who adored a country retreat, paying cash without haggling. The new owners loved the sprawling orchard, the pinefilled views, and the vinecovered summerhouse. The sturdy brick manor suited them perfectly.

Emily and Sam bought a modest flat in the city centre, dreaming of a growing family. Their first child arrived not long after, bringing boundless joy.

At night, Emily whispered to the empty room, Thank you, Gran, for giving me life.