The boy wakes up to the sound of his mother groaning. He approaches her bedside.
Mum, are you in pain?
Charlie, fetch me some water, please.
Right away, he says, dashing to the kitchen.
He returns in a minute, carefully holding a full mug.
Here, Mum, have a drink!
Suddenly, theres a knock at the door.
Charlie, answer that! Its probably Nanny Jean.
Their neighbour enters, holding a large floral mug.
How are you, Emily? Jean asks, laying a cool palm on Emilys forehead. Youve got a fever, love. Ive brought you some hot milk, with a bit of butter in it.
Ive taken my tablets already.
You ought to be in hospital, you know. You need proper care, and you should be eating properly. Your fridge is as bare as Old Mother Hubbards cupboard.
Aunt Jean, Ive spent every last penny on medicine, Emilys voice trembles with tears. Nothing seems to help.
You must go to hospital, love.
But who will look after Charlie if I go?
And wholl care for him if youre not around? Jeans voice softens as she strokes Emilys hair. Come on, dont cry now.
Aunt Jean, what do I do?
Thats it, Im calling the doctor, Jean says, pulling her mobile from her pocket.
She calls and gets all the information.
They said someone will come today. Im off now. When they arrive, send Charlie to get me.
Jean heads to the hall, Charlie follows her.
Nanny Jean, Mum wont die, will she?
I dont know, love. We must ask God to help. Your mum doesnt believe in Him, you know.
Will Grandpa God help? Hope glimmers in Charlies eyes.
If you go to church, light a candle, and ask, then God will help. I must be going now, sweetheart.
***
Charlie returns to his mum, lost in thought.
Charlie, you must be hungry. Theres nothing in the house. Bring two glasses.
When he brings them, Emily pours out some milk.
Drink up!
Charlie drinks, but his hunger only grows stronger. Emily sees this at once. She gets up, swaying slightly, takes her purse from the table.
Heres a pound. Nip out and buy yourself two buns, eat one on the way. Ill try to rustle something up. Off you go.
She sees her son to the door and, leaning on the wall for support, heads to the kitchen. In their fridge are some tinned sardines, a little margarine, and, on the windowsill, two potatoes and an onion.
Ill have to make soup
Her head swims and she sinks onto a stool, exhausted.
Whats happening to me? Ive no strength left. Most of my sick leave is gone already. All the moneys run out. If I cant get back to work soon, how will I get Charlie ready for school? He starts year one next month. No family, no one to help. And this illness I shouldve gone to the GP straight away, but what if Im admitted now? Who will mind Charlie?
With effort, she starts peeling the potatoes.
***
Charlie is ravenous but his thoughts are elsewhere.
Mum didnt get up all day yesterday. Maybe she really will die Auntie Jean said I should ask Grandpa God for help. He stops, hesitates, then turns towards the church.
***
Its been six months since he returned from service. Its a miracle hes even walking now, albeit with a cane. All the scarshe hardly notices the pain any more. As for the ones on his face, well, it hardly matters now. No ones likely to want to marry a battered ex-soldier, thinks Nicholas as he makes his way to the church. Today marks a year since my mates died, while I miraculously survived.
Twenty years ago, he left for the army. Now hes home, but the feeling of loneliness is crushing. His pension is more than enough, and hes not wanting for money either. But whats the use of it all, if youre alone?
Outside the church, theres a small row of beggars. Nicholas digs into his wallet, pulls out some ten-pound notes, hands them around, and asks,
Pray for my ladsWilliam and George.
He steps into the church, buys some candles, lights them, and begins the prayer the vicar once taught him.
Remember, O Lord our God
He makes the sign of the cross as he recites the words, his friends vivid before his minds eye.
When he finishes, he stands in silence, reflecting on his hard life.
Nearby, a skinny little lad stands uncertainly with a cheap candle in his hand. Unsure what to do, Charlies glancing about nervously. An old lady approaches.
Here, let me help you.
She lights his candle and sets it in its place.
Now, cross yourself like this! she demonstrates gently. And tell our Lord why youve come.
Charlie looks at the icon for a long while, then quietly says,
Please, Grandpa God, let Mum get better. Ive only got her. Shes got no money for medicines. Im starting school soon and I havent even got a satchel
Nicholas is transfixed by the boy. All his own burdens shrink into insignificance. He wants to shout to the world:
People, how can it be that no one has helped this boy, bought medicine for his mum, gotten him a satchel?
Charlie waits, gazing at the icon, hoping for a miracle.
Come on, lad, come with me, Nicholas says without hesitation.
Where? Charlie looks up, fearful of the stern man with the cane.
Well find out what medicines your mum needs and get them from the chemists.
Really?
Grandpa God told me about your wish.
Really? Charlie lights up, looking gratefully at the icon.
Lets go! Whats your name, mate?
Charlie.
Call me Uncle Nicholas.
***
In their flat, Emily and Jean are deep in conversation.
Shes given me a whole list, and said itll cost a fortune. Ive only got a fiver left.
Charlie strides in, firm and confident. The talk halts at once. Jean peers nervously at the stranger beside Charlie.
Emily, look!
Emily peers out and freezes as well.
Mum, what do you need? Uncle Nicholas and I will go to the chemist.
And who are you? Emily asks, flustered.
Everything will be alright, Nicholas smiles. Just give us the prescriptions.
But Ive only got a fiver
Charlie and I will get the money together, Nicholas says, laying a reassuring hand on Charlies shoulder.
Mum, give us the prescription!
Emily hands them over. For some reason, she feels she can trust this stranger with the rough face and the kind eyes.
Emily, what are you doing? Jean hisses as the two leave. You dont know this man from Adam!
Aunt Jean, I really think hes a good man!
Well.. Alright, Emily, Ill be off!
***
Emily sits, waiting for her son to return with the stranger. For a moment, she forgets shes ill.
The door opens, and Charlie bounds in, beaming,
Mum, we got your medicine and lots of treats to have with tea.
In the doorway stands Nicholas, and he, too, is smiling, so much that his scarred face seems almost gentle.
Thank you! Emily bows her head slightly. Please, come in!
Nicholas struggles to get his shoes off, awkward with nerves. He enters the kitchen.
Please, sit down! Emily offers.
Nicholas sits, a bit lost, uncertain where to put his cane.
Let me! Emily takes it and props it nearby, within easy reach. Im sorry, I dont have much to offer you.
Mum, weve bought loads! Charlie begins unloading food.
Oh, you shouldnt have! Emily says, even as shes grateful. She notices half the bag is sweets, but theres a packet of proper tea as well. Ill just pop the kettle on.
She rushes to make tea, suddenly feeling stronger. Or maybe she just doesnt want to look weak in front of this man. Nicholas seems to read her mind.
Emily, are you sure its alright? Youre very pale.
Ill be fine. Ill take my tablets soon. Thank you!
***
They sip fragrant tea with their sweets, watching Charlie chatter away. From time to time, their eyes meet, and theres an unspoken warmth between the three of them. But all good things come to a close.
Thank you, both! Nicholas stands and takes up his cane. I should be going. You focus on resting and getting well.
Thank you so much! Emily stands, too. Ive no idea how to thank you.
He heads for the hallway, trailed by mother and son.
Uncle Nicholas, will you come again?
Of course! When your mum is well, well take you shopping for a satchel.
***
Nicholas leaves. Emily tidies away, washes up.
Go and watch television, my boy, Ill lie down for a bit.
She lies down and soon falls into a deep sleep.
***
Two weeks pass. The illness retreats; the medicine seems to have done its work. Emilys even back at work, called in early from leave for a busy month-end at the firm. Shes gratefulshell be paid for these days. August has begun; with payday coming she can get Charlie ready for school.
That Saturday, they wake as usual, have breakfast.
Charlie, get ready! Were off to the shops to see what youll need for school.
Do you have money now?
Not yet, but Ill have some by next week. Ive borrowed a tenneron the way back well pick up some groceries.
Theyre just about to leave when the intercom buzzes.
Who is it? Emily asks.
Its Nicholas
He starts to say more, but shes already pressing the button to let him in.
Mum, who is it? Charlie calls from the bedroom.
Uncle Nicholas! Emily cant hide her delight.
Hooray!
He enters, leaning on his cane, buthow hes changed! Smart trousers, crisp shirt, and a trendy new haircut.
Uncle Nicholas, I was waiting for you! Charlie runs to him.
Told you Id come. Nicholas grins. Hello, Emily!
Hello, Nicholas! she replies, surprised and happy at their easy, friendly tone.
Are you ready? Lets go!
Where? Emily is still coming to terms.
Charlies starting school soon, isnt he?
Nicholas, I
I promised Charlie, and a promise is a promise.
***
Emily is used to searching out the cheapest bargains in whatever shop she visits. Shes no extra money, no family, and no partnerunless you count that fellow from college who disappeared.
But now, theres this man beside her, lighting up at everything Charlie does, buying whatever he needs without hesitation, just checking Emilys opinion now and then.
They return home, bags brimming, in a taxi.
Emily heads to the kitchen, but Nicholas stops her.
Emily, come on, lets all go for a walkfor a meal, together.
Mum, please! Charlie cries.
***
That night, Emily finds it hard to sleep, thoughts tumbling after each other. She remembers his eyes, warm and full of love. Her mind and heart seem to argue:
Hes not handsome, and he limps, reasons her mind.
Hes kind, and looks at me with such love, her heart replies.
Hes fifteen years older than you.
So what? He treats my son like his own.
You could still meet a young, good-looking man.
I tried that before. I want someone kind and reliable.
But youve never dreamed of a husband like this?
But nowI have!
Your mind is fickle, is it?
Ive just found him. I love him!
***
Their wedding is held in the very same church where Nicholas and Charlie met three months ago.
Nicholas stands with Emily before the altar, his cane nowhere in sight, and Charlie, watching the same icon he prayed before, whispers with all his heart,
Thank you, Grandpa God!From the far corner, Nanny Jean dabs her eyes, beaming at the little family. The sunlight spills through stained-glass windows, casting playful colors over them. The vicar blesses them, voices rising in song, and Nicholas squeezes Emilys hand, steady and strong. Charlie turns and sees their old neighbor tip him a wink, her heart full.
As they leave the church, the bells peal above. Charlie clutches his brand-new satchel, skipping ahead, laughter ringing out. Emily leans on Nicholasher husband nowwho steadies her gently, and answers her smile with one of his own. For the first time in too long, hope feels easy, natural, alive.
Outside, petals scatter on the wind. Behind them, the doors of the church swing wide, the world bright and open before them. And as they step into the sunlight togethernot just three souls, but a familyCharlie looks up to the sky and whispers, Thank you, certain that someone, somewhere, is listening.
