The Little Things in Life

Little Things of Life

15th May

I suppose a diary is for ones own truth, even if the world wouldnt understand it. So tonight, I cant help thinking back to how stubborn Ive always been.

Despite my parents warnings, I married Edward, the man I loved deeply. Edward was a quiet, serious soul, raised by his grandmother, Violetshed always been Gran Vi to him, a title spoken with warmth but tinged with sadness. Both his parents died when he was barely two, so he grew up never knowing them and always feeling a bit adrift.

When I first brought Edward home to meet Mum and Dad, the real drama began. Mum, Helen, was outraged the moment Edward left.

Emily, we didnt raise you for this. Youre in your third year at universitywhat husband, what wedding? she nearly shouted. And I dont want Edward as a son-in-law. Hes a mechanicworking-classwhat can he possibly offer? You should know, if you insist on this, I won’t help you.

Mum, you know Ill do as I please, I replied, tears threatening. Dad just sat quietly, as always, staying neutral between us. Besides, Im pregnant

Our wedding wasnt elaborate, not that Mum and Dad lacked moneythey just didnt want a lavish celebration. Perhaps if Id married her friends son, shed have thrown a grand party, but I was determined.

Shell live in poverty with her mechanic and come crawling back, Mum grumbled to Dad after I left. Right now, its all love and romance in her head, but soon shell see Shes even moved into his grandmothers house, as if Id somehow humiliate Edward, she told me straight. And Im not thrilled about the grandchild, if Im honest.

Dad and Mum had a spacious flat in Manchester, filled with comfort, and as an only child, I was used to such ease. But I left it all for Edward and Gran Vi, moving to her cottage in a small village seven miles from the city.

Time passed. I gave birth to a little girlwe named her Sophie. Gran Vi was indispensable, teaching me everything, getting up at night for Sophie so I could still study. I tried my best to balance being a student, a wife, and a mother, but exhaustion always won. Morning after morning, Id rise early, dash to the bus, travel into Manchester, then transfer to another bus for university.

Each evening, Id return spent, greeted by Gran Vi and Sophie at the gate. Sophie missed me dearly. Edward arrived even later, always hungry and weary from the garage. He adored us both, spinning Sophie around until she squealed with joy. I wished I had energy for him, but he always came home on the last bus, and I was too tired to care.

Now, with my dissertation looming, the urge to return to my parents comfortable flat grew strongerI wouldnt waste so much time on travel. But Mum was still angry, never calling, never asking after Sophie.

Edward had an older brother, Simon, married for years and living in his own flat in Manchester, earned through hard graft and site work. But Simons marriage to Kate was rocky; she always wanted more.

Simon called, Edward said one night. Hes left Kate. Too many rows, now hes renting a place.

Gran Vi worried, But he worked so hard for his flathow could he just leave?

Simon did the right thing, Gran, Edward countered, left everything to his wife and son.

One night, overwhelmed, I confided in Edward: commuting by buses drained me. I didnt mention moving to my parents, since Id promised to stick with him and Gran Vi.

Im so tired, I said. Always rushing for the bus, the journeys so longso many stops. I barely make it. I cant keep up.

Edward listened quietly, kissed my cheek.

Ive got something in mind. Ill tell you soona surprise, he said mysteriously, and I didnt press him, too worn out for curiosity.

A few days later, an old car rumbled into the drive.

Could it be Mum and Dad? I wondered, but the car was unfamiliar, battered. Definitely not theirs

I rushed outsideEdward got out, beaming with pride.

Well, what do you think of our beauty?

That thing is a car? Where did you get it?

Bought it, he said, with the savings we were putting aside for the mortgage.

I stared at the car, my heart sinking. Wed been saving for a deposit on a flat, and hed spent it on this jalopy. Now we’d be stuck in the village even longer.

Edward boasted, I fixed it myself. It runs! Get in, Ill give you a lift! He gently took my hand. Just needs a paint job, but at least you wont have to scramble for buses now. Shes nearly perfect, and I got her for a song.

The car drove well enough, but I worried it might fall apart any second. Reaching home, Gran Vi and Sophie awaited us at the gate. Edward spun Sophie again, while I hurried insideand burst into tears. Years of frustration poured out.

Emily, dear, whats happened? Gran Vi exclaimed, hurrying to me.

He spent all our mortgage savings on that car. We dreamt of a flat but now

Calm yourself, love, Gran Vi soothed, embracing me. Youre the cleverest girl I know, just worn outthats why youre crying. These are the little things in lifethe only real thing is that everyones well and happy. Moneys nothing. Love and understanding matter most.

Gran Vis wisdom calmed me, and some shame crept in for my tantrum. I went outside where Edward sat on the porch, Sophie chasing our shaggy dog around the garden, giggling and trying to grab his tail. I slid quietly beside him.

Why didnt you ask me, Edward? I whispered.

Wanted to surprise you I hoped youd be pleased

I gazed into his eyes and saw the unspoken pain there. He loved me, bought the car to ease my journey, tried to solve my problem as best he couldeven if I was hinting at something else.

All right, Ed. A car then, so be itbut promise me next time youll always talk to me first.

Deal, he smiled, relieved. Ive always tried to handle things alone. Sorry. From now on, well decide together.

Good. Its all just little things, I intoned Gran Vis words. What matters is us being together and having our beautiful daughter.

From her window, Gran Vi watched us reconcile, thinking, Their first row. Therell be many more. Whats important is understanding and loveno doubt theyre smitten, like two lovebirds.

Edward painted the car, Gran Vi crafted new seat coversthere wasnt much to celebrate, but soon Sophie and I rode with Edward to Manchester, side by side.

I still refused to ask Mum and Dad for help.

Later, Sophie grew up and needed nursery, Gran Violder nowrequired more rest. I finished university, found a job in the city. Edward kept working late at the garage, saving for a flat remained a distant dream. I wouldnt ask my parentsMum still wouldnt speak to me or Sophie.

Surprisingly, help came from where we least expected. One weekend, our dog barked with excitement. I assumed the neighbour was visiting, bringing milk for Sophie.

Simon! Edward shouted, catching his brothers arrival through the window and rushing out. All right, mate! Whereve you been?

Hello, Ed!

The brothers hugged, grinning; Sophie peered shyly through the door.

My word, Sophie, arent you a cutie! Simon exclaimed, Come here, Ive got a present for you.

He handed her a giant rabbit with long floppy ears and a bow, and Sophie ran off in delight to show Gran Vi.

Gran Vi and I welcomed Simon warmly.

Been ages, Simon. How are things? Gran Vi asked, pouring tea.

All fine, he grinned. Kate ran off with someone near Liverpoolwere divorced. I pay support, of course. Anyway, heres something for you, Ed. He passed over a thick envelope. Well, for you and Emily. I missed your wedding, was away for work, so this is your wedding present.

Whats this? Edward asked, suddenly tense.

Moneyenough for your deposit! Simon explained, pressing the envelope into Edwards hands. Kate is gone, Im back in my own flat. I saved up thinking Id buy another, but couldnt take the family home away from my son. So, this is my gift.

Silence lingered, then laughter filled the room.

Thank you, mateSimon, you couldnt have been more timely!

Joy nearly made me tear up; Gran Vi hugged Simon. The brothers embraced quietly, words unnecessary.

By autumn, we finally moved into a bright two-bedroom flat in Manchester. Sophie started nursery nearby. The school was close as wellwe chose the flat with Sophies future in mind.

Edward stayed at the garage, working hard as ever. Life tested us, but Gran Vi always said these little things didnt matter compared to love and health.

Thank you for reading, and for your support. Wishing you happiness and kindness.