AUNTIE
Auntie Pat was brought up from the countryside. She was getting on in years, and keeping up with the farm was becoming too hard for her. So my wife, Brenda, decided to bring her to the city and have her live with us.
I didnt mind. Im a quiet bloke, a bit lanky, wear glasses, and I pretty much agree with whatever my lively, curvy Brenda says.
Shes not a stranger, love. Shes family, after all. She never had any children herself. And now I havent got a mum anymore. Mum was thirty years younger than Auntie Pat, from Dads second marriage. Funny how life works my mum left us so young. Still, I feel for Auntie Pat. Well take her in! Brenda declared.
Our children, Oliver and Daisy, didnt know Auntie Pat at all.
To be honest, even Brenda had only seen her a couple of times. They didnt speak by phone, just exchanged letters. Auntie Pat had nothing remotely modern at her place as wed soon discover.
And there she was, with us. Small as a sprite (thirteen-year-old Oliver was taller than her). Fluffy hair like a dandelion. A little pillbox hat perched on her head. Her eyes bright and piercing blue seemed far younger than her years.
She held a bundle and mesh bag, the kind people used in old times. And two battered suitcases.
Clutched in her arms was a fluffy ginger cat. He glanced lazily around the house, hopped to the floor, and set off to investigate.
Thats Clementine. Brought him along. Living soul and all, hope you dont mind, said Auntie Pat.
She looked at all of us and added, So this is my lot! My own!
Next came a proper meal. Old auntie had brought all sorts of pickles and jams with her. Brenda was surprised to see our usually fussy children wolfing down jam, gherkins, chutney, and everything else.
Brenda! You got a garden? Ill plant everything, even though Im not as strong as I used to be, but you must grow your own! Cant do without! declared Auntie Pat.
Brenda explained, No garden, Auntie. Why have one? You can buy everything now. We never have time anyway. I work two jobs; Alex does too. We barely see the kids. Flats got a mortgage, and were still paying it off.
A gardens necessary. Dont look at me like that, Brenda. People need the soil. Well buy a plot, find something nice, Auntie Pat said, and shuffled off to her room.
A plot, she says! Were scraping by, forgoing everything. Does she think were rolling in pounds? Brenda grumbled as she washed up.
The next day was a Saturday. Alex blissfully lounged in bed, reading the newspaper. Brenda shouted at the kids to heat up some ready meals and decided to nap a bit more.
Oliver and eight-year-old Daisy were both absorbed in their phones.
Clementine sat nearby, swaying his head. Auntie Pat stepped in.
Whats all that, then? she asked.
Oliver and Daisy started explaining, showing her games and things. Auntie Pat shook her head. Then she said, Saw some of those in our village too. Not quite the same. Never bothered getting one myself. No need really. Used to write your mum letters, much easier for me. But fair play handy thing, I suppose. You can reach anyone, anywhere. Useful invention. Right, put them down and come with me!
Why? Were playing! Oliver protested.
Playing? Youre just staring at phones. Not like youre calling anyone, Auntie Pat frowned.
We play inside, on the phone! Daisy piped.
Auntie Pat started telling them about games back in the village and soon drew them into the kitchen.
When Brenda came in, she was stunned. The table was piled with pancakes. Oliver sipped tea with a grin. Daisy was helping Auntie Pat make dumplings.
Mum, look! This ones got a surprise inside it might be yours! Daisy beamed.
Alex followed, sniffing happily.
From now on, well make dumplings and pancakes every weekend, all together. Must eat homemade! Auntie Pat announced.
Doesnt seem to make sense, Auntie. We can buy everything ready-made! Brenda protested, who wasnt fond of cooking. She usually bought frozen and ready meals. The family never minded until today.
No, Mum. Lets do it ourselves! Never tasted dumplings like these! Oliver said.
Then Auntie Pat took a ball of elastic and looped it around some chairs, showing Daisy how she played skipping games in her youth.
How come you don’t do this, then? she wondered.
Who? When they go outside, they just sit on their phones! Modern kids! Alex snorted.
Thats not right! People need to talk face to face. Phones are useful, sure, but you should use them for calls or something important. Thats all! Auntie Pat pronounced.
In the evenings, shed knit, with Clementine sprawled on the armchair beside her.
Mum, look! Daisy tugged Brenda along one day.
Brenda stepped out, peeked into the bathroom.
Auntie Pat was stroking the side of the washing machine, murmuring, Happy International Womens Day to you, washing machine! Serve us long and well, my dear!
Auntie Pat, what are you doing? Brenda whispered, wondering if Auntie Pat had gone daft.
What? Todays the 8th of March. Washing machines a girl, so I thought Id congratulate her, Auntie Pat laughed.
But it isnt alive, Auntie. Ridiculous! Brenda scoffed.
Oh, machines understand, dont say that. Back in our village, Vasilys tractor nearly got stuck, and he coaxed it gently. It pulled through! And old Stan always talks to his car when he sets off, calls it Dorothy. You have no idea how lucky you are! We used to wash clothes by hand, loads of them, and rinsed them at the river. These days, youve got all this convenience, but still youre gloomy! Phones, if you use them properly, you always know where your child is. The clever washing machine does the work, the microwave heats things up! Auntie Pat looked around like a child recounting marvels.
She soon started meeting the kids after school.
Oliver had trouble in class one day. He hadnt told his mum or dad. He was crying in his room when Auntie Pat popped in. He poured it all out before he knew it. The next day, he didnt go to school for the first two lessons. The house was unusually quiet. Not even Auntie Pats slippers could be heard.
She must have gone for a walk, Oliver thought, and headed out.
He paused by the classroom. Was that a familiar voice? He peeked through the door. The teacher was sitting quietly. Auntie Pat was by the board, speaking excitedly.
Oh no, whys she come? Theyll laugh! Oliver pressed to the door.
But no one laughed. The lesson ended. His classmates crowded around Auntie Pat. He slipped inside. Pete the chief troublemaker came over.
Hey, where were you? Wow, your grandma is amazing! She told us all sorts. I wish I had a granny I miss her so much. Tomorrow your aunts taking us to the park she knows loads about plants and animals! Teacher let her speak, Pete smiled.
Yeah, shes brilliant! Oliver laughed and dashed to hug Auntie Pat.
Brenda broke down crying that evening worn out and exhausted. Once again Auntie Pat was there.
Dont cry, love. Everythings all right! What are you crying for?
Ive had enough! Work so much, barely live. Alex is so mild. Other women have proper men. Im just past it. Women like me arent in fashion anymore, Brenda sobbed on Auntie Pats shoulder.
Auntie Pat let her cry, poured her some tea, and started sharing. She spoke of losing three babies, one after another, and her strong, handsome husband who passed away early. She battled through illness, losing weight, fighting through agonising pain, but survived.
Whats this trend with people? God makes us all different. Some are slender, others fuller. Tastes change, Brenda. Years ago, full-bodied women were admired! Youre wonderful just as you are. Your hair curls, big blue eyes, lovely figure. Value what you have many dont. So many lonely people! And your Alex is golden, loves you, does everything for you. Your children are happiness. As for the rest itll work out. I forgot something, anyway, time for bed! Auntie Pat headed off, leaving Brenda alone in the kitchen.
Brenda no longer wanted to cry. She thought, Aunties right. Shes got everything. Why was she sulking?
That day Brenda waited for her husband to get home (she had finally started her long-awaited holiday). He wasnt there.
Kids! Has dad called? Where are you? she asked.
Oliver was mixing something in a bowl at the kitchen table. Hed taken a sudden interest in cooking, flipping pancakes in the air.
Daisy was creating a house out of chairs, draping blankets and arranging her toys.
Both childrens phones lay forgotten on shelves. Lately, Brenda noticed they barely touched them except to answer calls.
Brenda kept ringing Alex. The number you dialled is temporarily unavailable.
Suddenly she panicked. Auntie Pat! She wasnt around. No sound of slippers, no gentle voice.
She rushed to Auntie Pats room. Clementine stretched lazily on the bed.
Oliver! Daisy! Wheres Auntie Pat? Brenda gasped.
The children ran over.
We came home with her from school. Then she went out somewhere, Daisy whispered.
How long ago, Daisy? Brenda shouted. Daisy nodded, tears spilling.
My God! We bought her a mobile, but she never takes it! Shes so elderly! Brenda slumped in a chair.
Oliver bolted to get dressed.
Where are you going? Brenda chased him.
To find her! Mum, we cant manage without her! he raced down the stairs.
Daisy slipped into trainers and followed.
Brenda dressed on the run and caught up.
At the front of the block, the children were smiling.
Whats up? Brenda asked.
They pointed to the left.
There, holding Alexs arm, walked Auntie Pat in her hat with poppies.
Auntie! You scared us! You can’t just leave for hours! And you where were you? Brenda clung to her husband.
Well, your aunt and I went to fix whats it called the leak! Auntie Pat replied.
What? But How? Brenda managed.
We wanted to surprise you. Auntie Pats wonderful, saved us! Truly! Alex laughed.
Auntie Where did you get the money? You shouldnt have Brenda began.
What do you mean, where from? First, Ive been saving. My pensions decent. I always had my own farm, hardly spent anything. Eggs, milk, baked my own bread. Second, I sold my house. What would I need the money for? There are no pockets in coffins! I wanted to leave it to you anyway. Better give it while you need it, Auntie Pat spoke simply.
Brenda was speechless. Now, she and Alex didnt have to work two jobs. More time for the family. So lucky!
Yes, tomorrow were going out to view a cottage. Alex and I already picked a place! Auntie Pat announced.
Our own house! Hurrah! Garden! And you promised to teach us how to watch fireflies properly, weave baskets, and make secrets from coloured glass and flowers, to dig up later! The children bundled Auntie Pat in hugs.
All together, arms wrapped around each other, they headed home.
For a moment, Brenda paused outside, gazed up at the clouds, and whispered,
Thank you. Thank you for Auntie Pat.As Brenda stood there, the evening breeze rustling her hair, she heard the laughter of her family insideOliver calling for Auntie Pat to help with a tricky dumpling, Daisy giggling as Clementine skittered after her makeshift toy. In that moment, Brenda realized what Auntie Pat had truly given them: not just money, or help, but roots, warm and entwined, growing right there in their hearts. She stepped inside, the golden glow from the kitchen lighting everyones faces.
Over supper, Auntie Pat raised her mug. To family, she said simply.
Alex chimed in, To gardens and dumplings, and Aunties who know the secret magic of everyday life.
They all toasted, even Clementine with a paw on Brendas lap. The future now felt wide open, threaded with possibility, ready for seeds and sun and new traditions. And as bedtime settled their home with soft voices, Brenda tucked Daisy in, pressing a strand of hair behind her ear.
Mum, do you think Auntie Pat will stay forever? Daisy whispered.
Brenda smiled, brushing a tear from her cheek. Shes already promisedas long as we need her, and as long as theres soil to dig and stories to tell.
Outside, the city was quiet. Up in the sky, a few fireflies flickeredmaybe not quite the countryside, but enough to remind her that sometimes, the best gardens grow right where you are, beneath your feet, watered by love.
And so, their little family blossomed, stitched together by pancakes, laughter, and the extraordinary warmth of Auntie Patan old sprite in a pillbox hat who had brought them home, at last.
