Early spring
Fouryearold Poppy peers at the newcomer who has just taken a seat on the bench in her culdesac. He is a silverhaired retiree, leaning on a wooden cane as if it were a wand from a fairy tale.
Granddad, are you a wizard? she asks.
He shakes his head, and Poppys smile slips a little.
Then why do you have that staff? she continues.
It helps me walk, makes the steps easier, the man replies, introducing himself as George Whitaker.
So youre really old? the curious girl asks again.
By your standards Im old, but not quite ancient. I broke my leg a while back after a nasty fall, so Im using the cane for now, George explains.
At that moment Poppys grandmother, Margaret Clarke, appears, grabs Poppys hand, and leads her toward the park. Margaret greets the new neighbor with a warm smile; the sixtytwoyearold man feels a quicker bond with Poppy than with anyone else. While waiting for Margaret, Poppy often slips out of the house early to report the days news to her older companion: the weather, what Margaret has cooked for lunch, and the cough that her friend suffered a week ago.
George never fails to offer Poppy a small chocolate sweet. Each time she thanks him, she unwraps the treat, bites off exactly half, and folds the remaining half back into the foil, tucking it into the pocket of her jacket.
Why dont you eat it all? Not to your taste? George asks.
Its delicious, but I want to save some for my grandma, Poppy answers.
Touched, George brings two sweets the next time. Poppy again takes just a half and hides the rest.
So who are you saving them for now? George wonders, impressed by her thrift.
Maybe Mum and Dad. They could buy their own treats, but theyre always happy when I share, Poppy explains.
Got it. Sounds like a very close family, George guesses. Youre lucky, dear, and you have a kind heart.
And my grandma too, because she loves everyone, Poppy starts, but Margaret steps out of the stairwell and takes her granddaughters hand.
By the way, George, thank you for the sweets, but we shouldnt be eating too much sugar, Margaret says apologetically. Please, excuse us.
What should I do then? Im at a loss what can I bring you? he asks.
Everything we need is at home, thank you, no need, Margaret smiles.
No, I cant. Id love to treat you. Im trying to build good neighbourly relations, and Im not shy about it, George replies with a grin.
Then lets switch to nuts. Well only eat them at home, with clean hands. All right? Margaret proposes, addressing both George and Poppy.
Poppy and George nod, and later Margaret finds a few walnuts or hazelnuts in Poppys pockets.
Oh, my little squirrel, youre carrying nuts. Do you know that theyre a real treat these days, and Granddad needs his medicine because he limps? Margaret teases.
Hes not that old or lame. His leg is healing, Poppy interjects, defending her friend, and he hopes to be on the slopes by winter.
On the slopes? Really? Margaret raises an eyebrow. Well, good on him.
Could you buy me some skis, please? Poppy pleads. Then George could teach me how to ski.
Margaret, strolling through the park with Poppy, spots George now walking the promenade without his cane.
Granddad, Im keeping up with you! Poppy jogs alongside him, matching his brisk stride.
Wait for us, then, Margaret hurries after them.
The three of them start walking together, and Margaret soon enjoys the rhythm while Poppy turns it into a game. Her boundless energy lets her dash, dance on the path, climb onto the bench to greet Margaret and George, then race ahead, shouting:
One, two, three, four! Stronger steps, look ahead!
After the walk, Margaret and George sit on the garden bench while Poppy plays with the other children, always receiving a few more nuts from George before parting.
Youre spoiling her, Margaret whispers. Lets keep this tradition for special occasions only, please.
George shares that he became a widower five years ago and has only now decided to split his threebedroom flat into a onebedroom flat for himself and a twobedroom flat for his sons family.
I enjoy it. Im not the most social person, but I do need mates, especially nearby, he says.
Two days later the doorbell rings. George opens it to find Poppy and Margaret holding a tray of scones.
Wed like to treat you, Margaret says.
Do you have a kettle? Poppy asks.
Of course, come in! George swings the door wide.
Tea warms the small gathering. Poppy wanders around Georges modest library and admires the few paintings on his walls, while Margaret watches her granddaughters delight as George patiently explains each picture.
My grandchildren are off at university now. I miss them, George adds, and your grandma is still spry!
He hands Poppy a sketchpad and a pencil.
Ive only been retired for two years, so theres no time for boredom, Margaret remarks, eyes on Poppy, and my daughter is expecting another baby. Its lucky we live in adjoining blocks; were practically family.
All summer the neighbours chat, and by winter Margaret, as promised, buys Poppy a pair of beginner skis. The trio begins training on the local hill, which is groomed each season.
George and Margaret grow so close that they often walk together, and Poppy, who doesnt attend nursery, spends most of her days with Margaret. They meet daily until one day George travels to London to visit relatives.
Poppy misses him and keeps asking Margaret when hell return.
Hes gone for a whilesaid hell be in town for a month, Margaret explains. Were looking after his flat while hes away.
Margaret has grown fond of Georges helpful naturetightening a loose socket, swapping a burntout bulbjust as Poppy does.
A week passes, and both Margaret and Poppy feel his absence. They stare at the empty bench where he usually waits.
On the eighth day Margaret steps out of the stairwell, hurrying to Poppy, and sees George sitting where he always does.
Hello, dear neighbour, Margaret exclaims, surprised. You said youd stay longer!
Ah, George waves his hand. The city noise got to me. Everyones busy at work, and I got tired of waiting alone. I missed you two like family.
Granddad, what did you give your grandchildren? Candy? Poppy asks.
The adults laugh.
No, dear candy isnt good for them. Theyre grown now, so I gave them a bit of money. Better for their studies, George admits.
Its lovely youre back, feeling refreshed. All our friends are home, Margaret adds with a smile.
Poppy hugs George, moving him deeply.
We have plenty of pancakes today, with all sorts of fillings. Theyre just as good as pieslight and tasty. Come have some tea, and you can tell us about London, Margaret invites.
Whats London like? Its a beautiful capital, everythings in place. Ive brought you some souvenirs, too, George says, taking Margarets arm and Poppys hand as the first spring rain begins. The warm spell is early, unexpected.
Why is it so warm today? George asks Margaret.
Because spring is coming! Poppy chirps. Soon itll be Mothers Day, and Grandma will set a big table, invite guests, and you, Granddad, too.
I love you both, my dear neighbours, George replies, climbing the stairs.
After the pancakes, Margaret gives Poppy a bright wooden nesting doll, and she presents Margaret with a silver brooch. The three step out again, following the welltrodden path George always mentions. Snow, now a grey sponge, begins to melt, revealing the paved walkways. Poppy hops across the drying slabs, thrilled by the gentle warmth:
Grandma, Granddad, catch me! One, two, three, four! Stronger steps, look ahead!
