The car rolled quietly along the slippery country lane, while Emily gazed deeply into the forest that bordered the road. Her son sat behind the wheel, and her daughter-in-law, Grace, was seated beside him. Thoughts spun restlessly through her mindhow could her own son decide to send her to a care home? Where had she gone wrong raising him? Perhaps she hadnt shown him enough affection, but she had always tried her best to ensure Anthony had a happy childhood. Yet Anthony always had his own opinions.
One morning, he arrived with a bag packed full of assorted items. Emily sat in the kitchen, sipping tea and nibbling on a shortbread biscuit. He strode in confidently, tossed the bag onto the floor, and said with a cheerful smile:
All right, Mum, get ready. Youre off to the centre. Youll be so much happier there.
What centre, Anthony? What are you on about?
The retirement home. Ive already paid for six months in pounds, and Ill cover the rest soon enough. Your room is wonderfuljust for you, no roommates. And the staff are brilliantthey do massages and other therapies, and your blood pressure is checked regularly. They serve meals five times a day. Honestly, Mum, its like heaven on earth.
But, Anthony, I dont want to go to any home for the elderly. I want to stay here, with you and the family, and spend my last days in my own house.
Dont be difficult. Grace and I have thought it all through, made our decision, and paid. So dont act like a childcome on, get dressed, lets have breakfast.
Poor Emilys heart ached, and a tear slid down her wrinkled cheek. She remembered when her little Anthony had scraped his knee and sat in her lap, crying, whispering, Mummy, Ill never leave you. His blue eyes looked up into her green ones, and her heart beat so quickly because she believed he would always be her support. And indeed, for many years, he was.
Yet suddenly, the sweet boy with the kind heart became an Anthony without sympathy, sending his mother away to an institution called a care home with hardly a second thought.
As the car carried her onwards, memories drifted backhow she first met Anthonys father, how they fell in love at first sight, how they planned their home together and dreamed of a family. Then, her first love died when Emily was six months pregnant.
Husband, who has forsaken me? Who? These silent pleas to her departed love grew louder inside her, and her throat burned with tears of sorrow and longing.
