26April
I woke to the low groan of Mums breath. I slipped out of bed and nudged the side of her pillow.
Mum, does it hurt? I whispered.
Matt, fetch me some water! she rasped.
I darted to the kitchen, splashed a mug, and hurried back.
Here you go, Mumdrink this.
A sharp knock echoed from the front door.
Son, answer! It must be Aunt Nancy, called a voice down the hall.
A neighbour, Mrs. Green, stepped in, cradling a steaming mug in both hands.
How are you, Emily? she asked, patting my hair. You look feverish. Ive brought hot milk with a knob of butter.
Ive already taken the medicine, I muttered.
Youll need a hospital, proper treatment. You cant keep surviving on nothing when the fridge is empty, she chided gently. Ive spent all my cash on meds, and nothing seems to help.
Take me to the hospital, I pleaded.
And who will look after little Matt if Im gone? she pressed.
If you die, who will care for us? Youre not even thirty, you have no husband, no savings, she soothed, smoothing my scalp. Dont cry, love.
What should I do? I asked, tears brimming.
Ill call a doctor, she said, pulling out her mobile. The line clicked, and within minutes she had an appointment for that very afternoon. The doctor will be here soon. When he arrives, Matt will come with me.
Mrs. Green slipped out into the hallway, and I followed.
Aunt Nancy, will Mum die? I asked, my voice trembling.
I dont know. We have to pray to God for help, though Mum doesnt believe much in Him.
Will God really help? I pressed, a flicker of hope sparking in my eyes.
We must go to church, light a candle, and ask. Thats what Ill do, she replied.
—
Later, Mum returned to the bedroom, her face drawn.
Matt, you must be hungry, but theres nothing left. Bring two glasses, she said.
She poured milk into them and urged, Drink up!
I sipped, but my stomach still ached for more. Mum understood instantly. She struggled to her feet, rummaged through a drawer, and pulled out a crumpled note.
Only fifty pounds left. Go buy two pasties on your way home, and Ill try to make something later, she instructed. Off you go!
She walked me to the door, then lingered at the kitchen counter, eyeing the contents: cheap tins of fish, a slab of margarine, a few potatoes on the windowsill, and a lone onion.
I need to make soup she muttered, her head sinking onto a stool. Whats happening to me? Im drained. Half the holidays gone, the moneys gone. If I dont get back to work, how will I send Matt to school? Hell start firstgrade in a month. I have no relatives, no one to lean on. This illness I shouldve gone to the clinic ages ago. If they admit me, who will look after Matt alone?
She pulled herself up and began peeling potatoes, her hands shaking.
—
My thoughts drifted elsewhere, far from the kitchen.
Yesterday Mum didnt leave the bed all day. Could she really die? Aunt Nancy said I should ask God for help, I thought, and I turned toward the village church.
—
Half a year ago I returned from the army, barely alive. I lean on a cane now, the scars on my face a reminder that no one will ever think of marrying me. My pension is modest, enough for a modest life, and the contract money tucked away in the bank will last a couple more years, but why hoard it all alone?
Outside the church, a few beggars huddled together. I handed each a tenpound note and asked, Please pray for my fallen comrades, Roman and Stuart!
Inside, I bought candles, lit them, and recited the prayer Father Thomas taught me:
Remember us, O Lord, our God
My voice rose, and in my mind my friends stood beside me, as vivid as if they were still alive. When the prayer ended, I sat, letting the memories wash over me.
A frail woman approached, her eyes soft. Let me help you, she said, placing a fresh candle beside mine.
She showed me how to cross myself and whispered, Tell the Lord why youre here.
I stared at the crucifix, then spoke, Help us, God. Mum is ill, and I have no one else. She cant afford medicine. Im due to start school soon, but I dont even have a backpack.
Nick, the exsoldier, looked at me, his own worries shrinking before the weight of my plea. I wanted to shout to the world, Why cant anyone help this little boy buy his mother medicine and a simple schoolbag?
He smiled, his cane tapping the stone floor. Come with me, he said firmly.
Where to? I asked, fear prickling my heart at the sight of his scarred face.
Well find out which medicines Mum needs and go to the pharmacy, he replied. Its a promise.
Are you sure? I asked, eyes wide with hope.
My God told me you needed this, he answered. Lets go.
Matt, I said, introducing myself.
Nick, he replied, extending his hand.
—
From the flat, Mums voice rose, mingled with Mrs. Greens.
Aunt Nancy, the doctor said the medicine is expensive. Where will I find the cash? Ive only got five hundred pounds left.
I flung the door open; the voices fell silent. Mrs. Green peered out, frightened, and whispered to me, Molly, look!
Mollys eyes widened in alarm.
Mum, what meds do you need? Nick and I will fetch them, I called.
What are you? Mum asked, puzzled.
Itll be alright, Nick replied, smiling. Give us the prescriptions, please.
I only have five hundred pounds, I reminded her.
Well find a way, Nick said, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. Dont worry.
Mum handed over the scripts. Somehow, despite his stern appearance, Nicks heart seemed kind.
Mrs. Green, you dont even know me, she protested as Nick and I left.
Hes a good man, I think, I whispered back.
Mrs. Green sighed, Alright, Molly, Im off.
—
Mum waited, her thoughts drifting from her sons gentle face to the mans scarred visage. She forgot her own pain for a moment.
Soon the door burst open; my brothers face lit up.
Mum, we bought the medicine and some treats for tea, he announced.
A tall, kindly man stood beside us, his smile softening his rough features.
Thank you, Mum said, bowing slightly. Please, come in.
He slipped off his shoes with effort, clearly nervous, and followed us to the kitchen.
Sit down, I invited.
He sat, fumbling with his cane, Let me set this down for you, I said, handing him a short stick to lean on. Im afraid I dont have much to offer.
Mum, Nick and I got everything, my brother said, laying out the groceries.
Good heavens, why all this? Molly exclaimed, noting the bag of pricey tea among the biscuits and sweets. Ill make the tea now.
She whisked the kettle, pretending the illness had lifted, though she was still pale.
You look so faint, Nick remarked gently.
Its nothing, she replied, forcing a smile. Ill take my medicine now, thank you.
We all sipped the fragrant tea, chuckling at the little boys animated stories. Our eyes met now and then, a quiet sense of comfort settling over the table. Yet, as all good things do, the moment waned.
Thank you, Nick said, standing, his cane clicking. I must be on my way. You all need to rest.
Thank you so much, Mum added, rising as well.
He headed toward the hall, and Mum and I followed.
Will you come again, Uncle Nick? I asked.
Of course. Once Mums better, well all go shopping for your school supplies together, he promised.
—
Nick left, and Mum cleared the table, washing the dishes.
Son, turn on the telly while I lie down a bit, she said. I nestled onto the sofa, and she drifted into a deep sleep.
—
Two weeks later, the illness had finally eased; the expensive medicines had done their work. By months end, Mum was back at work, the rush of deadlines a welcome distraction. August had begun, and the paycheque would soon cover the school fees.
That Saturday we rose as usual, shared breakfast, and Mum said, Matt, get ready. We need to go to the shop and see what youll need for school.
Did you get any money yet? I asked.
Not yet, but theyll give it next Saturday. I borrowed a thousand pounds; well pick up some groceries on the way back, she replied.
We were getting dressed when the intercom buzzed.
Whos there? Mum called.
Its Nick, a voice answered.
She pressed the button, and the door clicked open. My brother peered out.
Mum, its Nick! he shouted, excitement bubbling.
He stepped in, leaning on his cane, but his appearance had changedsharp trousers, a crisp shirt, and a modern haircut.
Uncle Nick, Ive been waiting for you, I ran to him.
I kept my promise, he said, eyes bright. Hello, Mum!
Hello, Nick! she replied, her smile widening.
He invited us out. Lets go. Matts school start is near, he said.
Where? Mum asked, still a little stunned.
I promised Matt, and promises are to be kept, Nick answered.
Mum, ever careful with money, still shopped for bargains, but now an attentive man stood beside her, eager to buy whatever her son needed without fussing over price, always asking her opinion first.
We piled into a taxi and headed home.
Mum, lets go for a walk together, maybe grab a bite later? Nick suggested.
Mum, lets! my brother cried, dashing toward her.
—
That night I lay awake, replaying the days events. His eyes, full of tenderness, haunted my thoughts. My mind argued with my heart.
Hes ugly and limps, reason whispered.
Hes kind, caring, and looks at me with love, my heart replied.
Hes fifteen years older than me.
So what? He treats my son like his own.
I could find someone my age, handsome and fit.
No, I already had one. I need someone reliable and goodhearted.
But thats not the husband I imagined, reason protested.
Now I do, my heart said.
Do my preferences change so quickly? reason asked.
I met him I love him, my heart whispered.
Our wedding will be in that same church where Nick and I first met three months ago. Standing before the altar, Nicks cane rested beside him, and I stared up at the saints image that had guided me through those dark days. From the depths of my soul I whispered, Thank you, God.
