Ill always be with you, Mum. A story you might just believe
Grandma Margaret was waiting for the evening with barely hidden impatience. Her neighbour, Susana single lady approaching fiftyhad told her something so remarkable that it wouldnt leave her mind all day.
In fact, as proof, Susan had invited her to pop round that evening. She promised to show her something.
It had all started that morning, during a very ordinary conversation. Susan had stopped by on her way to the local shop and poked her head through Margarets doorway.
Need anything, Mrs. Margaret? Im heading to the shop next door for some bits and bobsthinking of baking a pie.
Margaret gave Susan a long, thoughtful look. Youre a good sort, Susan. Caring, generous. I remember you as a childcheeky thing you were. Its a shame things havent worked out for youalways on your own. But you dont mope. Youre not one to complain. Not like some.
Whats to complain about? Susan chuckled. Ive got someone specialjust dont get to live with him yet. Want to know why? Ill tell you. Its the sort of thing Id only share with you anyway. And theres a bit more Id like to say.
She paused, lowering her voice conspiratorially. I trust you. And if you do let it slip, wholl believe you anyway? she laughed. Now, what do you need from the shop? Ill come in for a cuppa after, and I’ll tell you how things really are. Might cheer you. Youll see, theres no need to pity me.
Margaret didnt actually need anything, but curiosity got the better of her. So she asked Susan to bring her some bread and perhaps some sweets for her tea.
Once Susan came back with the bread and sweets, Margaret brewed a fragrant pot of tea and settled in to listen.
Mrs. Margaret, do you remember what happened to me some twenty years ago? I was nearing thirty, seeing a fellowa decent chap. We were planning to marry. I thought, maybe I didnt love him, but he was a good man, and I wanted a family.
We applied for a flat; he moved in. Soon after, I found out I was expecting. At eight months, a little girl arrived. She lived for two days and then was gone I nearly lost my mind from grief. My partner and I partedthere was nothing holding us. A couple of months passed.
I slowly started to recover. The tears stopped. And then, all of a sudden
Susan looked over at Margaret, hesitating.
Im never quite sure how to explain what happened next. So, Id set up a little cot for my girl in the bedroom. They say its bad luck to buy baby things earlyold wives tales and all thatbut I didnt believe it. I got everything ready, made up the little bed, placed the toys there.
Well, one night I woke to the unmistakable sound of a baby crying. I thought my mind was playing tricksbut then, there it was again. I went over to the cot, and there she wasmy little girl!
I picked her up, heart ready to burst with happiness. She looked at me, closed her eyes, and drifted off to sleep.
Thats how its been sinceevery night, my daughter visits me.
I even started buying baby milk and a bottle, but she hardly touched it. She cried, Id pick her up, shed smile, close her eyes, and sleep.
Margaret listened, wide-eyed. Is that possible?
Susan flushed, nervous but earnest. I thought it couldnt be! But thats how it was.
Margaret bit into a sweet and sipped her tea, looking dubious. And then?
Susan gave a bright, serene smile. Its still happening. My girl lives in another worldshe has a mum and dad there. But she hasnt forgotten me. She comes back for a little while most nights. And one time, she told me: Ill always be with you, Mum. Theres a bond between us no one can ever break.
Sometimes, I wonder if its all a dream. But she brings me little gifts from her world. They dont last longsoon they fade away, like frost in the sun.
Margaret sipped her tea, trying to swallow the lump in her throat. Surely not?
Thats why I want you to visit tonight. So you can seeand tell me Im not losing my mind. I do believe what I see, but
That evening, Margaret made her way to Susans house. The two women settled in for a quiet chat as darkness blanketed the world outside. The house was silent; only Susan and Margaret. Margaret stifled a yawnwhen suddenly, a soft glow appeared, and the air seemed to shimmer. In the middle of the room, a young lady materialised.
Hello, Mummy! she said brightly. I had such a wonderful dayI wanted to share it with you. And Ive brought you a present, and she set a bouquet of wildflowers on the table.
Oh, good evening! she exclaimed, spotting Margaret. Mum mentioned she wanted you to meet me. My names Felicity
After a short while, Felicity smiled, said her farewells, and gently faded away.
Margaret sat in stunned silence, not trusting herself to speak at first.
Well, my word, Susan! It seems there truly is more to the world than we know.
And your girlshes beautiful, looks just like you. Im happy for you, Susan. You really are a lucky woman. Things are no worse for you than anyone elsein fact, Id say theyre better!
Id never have believed it if I hadnt seen it myself. The world is a marvellous place. Theres so much that continues onlife never truly ends. Im not afraid of whats next anymore.
Happiness to you, dear Susan!
The flowers gradually faded, growing paler and paler, until at last they melted away altogether.
But as Susan said goodnight to her neighbour, she was smiling to herself. Tomorrow would be another lovely day. She would meet with David, the man she lovedand she knew he loved her just as much.
How could she be sure? Well, some things are just felt, not explained.
And one day, she would introduce themher most precious people, Felicity and David.
Sometimes life brings heartbreak, and sometimes it brings small miracles. Even when it seems that everything has been taken away, love can find you again and fill your world with hope. Never stop believing; connections endure, and life is always ready to surprise you.
