Mum Kate
What are you splashing about for? Youre making a right mess! Its damp enough outside and now youre just making it wetter in here!
A large woman, the sort who seemed to take up half the park bench, lowered herself beside Katie.
Roasting today, isnt it! And then the rain this morning of all times! Now it feels like a steam room. Only just past midday and Im already wringing with sweat!
The woman tugged a plastic bottle from her big handbag and, with some effort, unscrewed the lid.
Would you like some? she offered, holding the bottle towards Katie. They say a bit of water calms you down. Doesnt do anything for me, mind! I could drink a whole bucket and Id still be beside myself.
Katie stared at her peculiar bench-mate in horror. Why was she sentenced to this now? Hadnt she suffered enough lately? Oh, shed really angered some higher power if, on top of everything else, she now had to endure thisthis spectacle.
Shed never liked overweight people. Their presence always drained her spirits. How could someone not care for themselves? Was it honestly that hard to try a few exercises, eat less, and consider how others might feel? It was all so unappealing! All those rolls of flesh, baggy clothes, sweat, and the smell Ugh! Katie recalled the time she and her friends visited a spa and noticed a woman swimming in the pool who looked a lot like this one.
Im not going in there, girls! In fact, thats enough for me today, said Lisa, Katies best friend, stretching her tanned and svelte body, which was nothing less than perfect. Of course, she spent half her life at the gym with her personal trainer.
Why not? Werent we supposed to spend the day here?
With her? Lisa pointed sharply behind herself, her face twisted with disgust. I cant even look, never mind being in the same pool! Its just vile!
The tirade that followed wasnt worth remembering. Lisas words had grated on Katie even then, but though shed never admit it, shed secretly felt Lisa had a point. You just shouldnt let yourself go like that! Cant sort yourself out? Dont inflict it on others. In that regard, Lisa was bang on.
And here she was, sitting beside a womanif you could even call her thatwho seemed twice the size of the lady from the pool. And not only was she stuck here, but the woman just wouldnt stop talking! Yet Katie lacked the energy even to get up. Shed been plonked on this bench for several hours, first crying, then just staring blankly at the brick wall ahead. She had nowhere else to go but the station anyway.
She couldnt help but catch little snatches of what the eccentric woman beside her was saying.
What a pretty girl! No suitcase, not even a handbag. So youre not travelling. Waiting for someone? Or nowhere to go?
Katie tore her gaze from the wall and glanced at the woman.
A kindly face, plump and rosy like some old-fashioned doll, beamed a smile that instantly vanished when Katie suddenly sniffledand then, to her own shock, burst out sobbing. Something in this strangers immediate embrace made Katie feel safe, and she never could later explain it. She clung to the broad, flower-scented blouse, dampening it thoroughly, and realised she detected no trace of sweatjust the gentle smell of wildflowers. She wondered whether the scent came from her washing powder or actual herbs, because it was so strong and delightful.
Suddenly, Katie recoiled, the realisation hitting her: the womans scent was exactly like her own mothers hands, a smell she barely remembered as her mum had died when Kate was five in a car accident. Katies one memory was of a flower meadow and her mums hands weaving her a crownthe hands smelling just like the womans.
Whats all this flinching? Someone upset you?
Katie shook her head, trying at first to deny the situation, then nodded.
Rotters, the lot of them! Picking on such a young lass! The woman reached into her handbag and brought out a bundle of sandwiches and an enormous red apple. Here you go! Tuck in!
She unwrapped the first sandwich. The smell hit Katies empty stomach at once. She hadnt eaten for nearly a day, having no money to buy food.
Come on, eat! Its ham. Homemade. Good for you. I made it myself. Youre so thin its a wonder youre still upright!
I dont eat meat Katie muttered, swallowing hungrily but turning away.
Eh? The woman forced the sandwich into her hands, pretending not to hear, and snapped the apple briskly in two.
Nothing, Katie replied, staring at those strong, work-worn fingers. Suddenly, she saw how pointless her plan to go on a train really was. She bit greedily into the sandwich, moaning quietly in delight.
Tastes good, doesnt it? All the rest is nonsense, really.
The woman shifted on the bench for comfort, glancing down to Katie who eyed the second sandwich hopefully.
Go on then, eat up! And tell me, whats brought you to the station alone, with neither bags northe look on your face tells me you havent a penny to your name.
Katie nodded, tears threatening.
No more crying! Tell me what happened first. Then well have a good cry togetheror maybe even a laugh, you never know.
Katie hardly wanted to tell her story, but realised she had little choice. It all felt rather minor, but it was her life, and that was all shed got.
Shed left home the night before. Or, rather, ran awayafter her father announced Katie wasnt his real daughter, and that he and his wife were expecting a baby. Katie was still reeling from those words. The man shed always called Dad, whod raised her for yearswasnt her father?
Shed never got on with her stepmother. Hardly surprising, given Anna was only a few years older than herself. Annas first wordsWhat a sweet girl! in a sugary voicemade it clear Katies peaceful life was over.
Thered been snide digs, complaints to her dad, tearsthe usual melodrama. Katie knew it well enough, but felt powerless. Shed always trusted her father for protection and was slow to realise everything had changed.
The final straw came in her fathers study: he laid down documents, said she was adopted as a baby, and that he wasnt her real parent. Any queries about her birth parents were left unansweredeither he didnt know, or refused to say. And her mum was long gone.
Katie spent half the night staring at the wall in her room, then simply threw on her jacket and left. She had nowhere to go, but by morning, she ended up at the station. Her phone was out of charge, and she didnt want to call anyone. Shed never really had close friendsher family moved too much for that, and the acquaintances she did have wouldnt help. Their whole life philosophy reminded Katie of an old cartoon shed seen as a child: Love yourself, ignore the rest, and youll be a success! Shed even ordered a keyring with a smiling little devil from the show, which she carried on her backpack for years.
The woman listened in silence as Katie spoke, never interrupting. She handed Katie some tissues when she finished.
There you go, dry your eyes.
She rummaged again in her capacious bag and pulled out a fat purse.
Right, love. Youll need to speak to your dad at some point, but theres time for that. Is your phone working?
Its dead.
I see. Have mine!
She handed over a battered old mobile.
What? Not trendy enough for you? I like it. My daughter bought it. Big buttons and loud ringer. Call your father, send a textlet him know youre safe. Not the worlds greatest parent, but lets not worry him unnecessarily.
She watched as Katie typed out the message. Then, smoothing her now crumpled blouse, the woman stood.
Im Aunt Kate, by the way. I live just outside town, on a little estate. Fancy staying with me? Since youve nowhere else, might not be the worst of plans?
Why?
Why what?
Why bother helping me? Im a stranger to you. Whats in it for you?
Aunt Kate smiled, cupping Katies chin. Her hands were warm and gentle.
Because, my dear, theres no such thing as someone elses child. Nobodys left to fend for themselves on my watch.
But Im not a child
You are, to me! Come on now, lets get your train ticketwell miss the next one if we dither.
So, thats how I ended up going home with Aunt Kate.
She didnt press me for my story on the journey. Shed later explain, You need to be wise when weighing up whether to poke around in someones soul. Some open up straight away, others need time. Thats all. When theyre ready, theyll share everything.
I fell asleep on the train and only woke when Aunt Kate shook my shoulder, whispering, Wake up, love, were here!
On the station platform, Aunt Kate waved at someone before nearly being bowled over by a tall, thin woman.
Mum Kate, Ive missed two trains already! Thought you werent coming. Hows Nina?
Shes alright. Sorted things out for her and little Jamie. Ill pop over in a couple of days.
See the doctor?
Promised hed help. Hes young, but seems switched on.
And whos this? the woman eyed me curiously.
Less questions, Sophie! Were just off the train, starving.
Alright, alright! Sophie grinned, unlocking her battered old Ford. I couldnt help but snort.
What? Its a limited edition airbrush! Alex did it, my brother. Thats his artwork.
AiRBrushing, I said automatically, tracing the cartoon cat painted on the car door.
Blimey, where did you dig up this pedantic one, Mum Kate?
At the station, same place I found you.
You draw, then?
Yeah, finished art school and everything.
Alex will love that! Hes self-taught, you know. Never been to a class in his life but so talented!
Im impressed! I smiled.
Tell him yourself latercome on, lets go!
Sophie drove like a maniac. I found myself closing my eyes on every corner.
Steady on, Sophie, theres no rush! Aunt Kate called over her shoulder. Im used to it, but Katie isnt. Shes new to your driving.
Shell cope! Were here now!
My jaw dropped at the crowd of children who ran up to greet us.
All mine, love! Aunt Kate said, heaving herself out of the car. Well, not literallymost come and go. I live alone, but my house is always filled; everyone seems to gather here. Come in, dont be shy.
The children swarmed around, and Aunt Kate gave out cuddles and head-pats generously.
It took me nearly a week to untangle who was who in Aunt Kates makeshift family. Luckily, Sophie invited me over, explaining the ins and outs.
Look, see, down that street are three of ours. Thats Jean, Michael, and Tessawith families and kids, you saw them earlier. Along the next street live Olivia and Vera. Olivias got kids, Vera got married last month. I live on the other side of the estate, with Alex and Nina, the one Mum went to visit. Her boy, Jamie, was born with a heart defect; theyre hoping for an operation soon.
Sophie, its all a bit confusing.
Youll get it, dont worry! Theres loads of us!
Aunt Kate is a real hero, to have so many children.
Sophie laughed.
Theyre not hers by blood. None of us are. Were all waifs and strays, just like you.
I tripped over my own feet.
What do you mean?
Just that. Its a story and a half. Come on in!
Sophies place was tiny but homely. She shooed the housecat off the settee and tossed a cushion for me.
Make yourself comfortable. Ill settle little Ben down and be with you in a tick.
I glanced aroundspotless kitchen, embroidered curtains with little forget-me-nots.
Admiring the handiwork? Sophie returned, making tea. Vickymy daughterstitched those. I took up embroidery when I was laid up in hospital for all three children. Pure boredom, but there you are! Vickys are forget-me-nots, Bens are poppies, Lizzies are daisies.
Theyre gorgeous! I traced the threads.
Mum taught me. I was hopeless before I moved here.
What do you mean, moved here?
Same way as you. My parents were hard drinkers. I dont remember much of my childhood, really. Mum Kate always said when people hurt for too long, they start to forgetits how the mind copes.
Dissociative amnesia.
What?
Memory loss.
How do you know that?
I wanted to study psychology at universityread a lot. But I was seriously ill for the last two years of school, had to pay my own way. My dad covered it, but now Ill have to sort myself.
What was wrong?
Back trouble. Had an op. All good now, mostly.
I see Sorry, carry on, I interrupted!
Well, Mum used to beat me so much Id be in bed for a week at a time.
But why werent you taken away?
No one wanted me, I suppose. Neighbours complained, nothing came of it. I ran away at thirteen. Literally had nothingjust the clothes on my back and some coins. And where did I go? The station, of course. Thats where Mum Kate found me, waiting for her train. She fed me and took me in. Like you.
Just like me I smiled.
Shes got a knack for finding lost causes like us! She worked hard to foster mecouldnt, in the end, so she adopted me. Me, then Alex. He was just a baby then. I wasnt living at home by the time he came. Mum Kate put everything into him, healthwise, education, everything. Look how he turned out!
Sophie, did Aunt Kate ever have children of her own?
No. Youve seen her. Do you know why shes big?
No, I thought she was just big.
She has diabetes, love. Hasnt had it easyher hearts not great either. Kept quiet so she wouldnt lose us. Only got help from her sister, whos a doctor. But she used to be a real beauty. Loads of suitors, but she wanted to study medicinetop grades, mindand planned to try again after missing out the first time. Came home to prep, met a man, got married, whisked away elsewhere. Something happenedwe never pried, not really our business, but she was badly injured. Bruised ribs, broken fingersher old injuries she called them. Only once did she say it, in hospital: My husband. Her sister told us later hed served time for abuse. Not that it did much good
Sophie wiped away a tear.
She ran. Looked after her parents till they passedthen she was alone. Her sister moved away. She didnt want to remarry, couldnt have kids after all shed been through. Then I came, then Jean, then the rest. Kate always says we found hernot the other way round. Each story could be a book, but she took us all in, got us back on our feet. Helped sort out benefits, housingwas first call for anyone wanting to sell a house here.
Where did she get the money?
Ah, you noticed. Somes from the councilshe learnt a lot of law, got help for us when our parents lost their rights. She shouldve been a solicitor! But its hard to get much out of the system. Most of the help comes from Paul.
Who?
Paul. Mum found him after Jean. She picked him up in the city, living rough. He has learning difficulties, bless him. Hed lost his way, been missing a week before he found Mum Kate. She brought him home. The next day, his father arrivedturns out hes wealthy, owns shipping and construction, big estate. Paul lives with him, but in his own little house with a nurse. Paul only ever calms down when hes with Mum Kate. His dad begged her to move in and care for Paul, but she wouldnt leave us. They stayed friends instead.
Now Pauls dad helps us out. Offers legal advice, money when the system fails. Aunt Kate always jokes shes finally found her king, not just a prince. Hes got an interest in it, sure, but his help has been a lifesaver for all of us. So thats our happy chaos. Would you have believed it if youd just heard about it?
No, its all too
Mad, isnt it? But its our life. And without Mum Kate, none of us would be here. She pulled us out of places not even angels could manage Sophie glanced at the clock. Look at that, Im all talk! Alex and my husband Russ will be back for lunch soon.
I should go
Not a bit of it, Sophie said, pulling out a pot of cold summer soup. Grab some bowls. Mums with Jean today, sewing for the little ones. No need to be on your own.
For me, this felt like a dream. Family lunch, children, laughtereven the tired men arriving together and landing kisses on Sophies cheeks, only to get chased with a tea towel. Id never had that: Dad and I barely shared meals, and after Anna arrived, I usually ate alone. Now I realised how much I wanted thisa home, boisterous children, love.
I didnt notice my tears falling into the soup until Sophie slung her arm around my shoulders:
Oi, I seasoned that already! Here, dry your eyes. Youre home, love. Nobody will hurt you here.
That day I told Sophie everythingabout my mum, my dad, Anna, all that had happened. More than Id told Aunt Kate, more than anyone. With every word, I felt a little lighter.
Sophie listened closely, asking only a few questions.
So, you dont blame your dad too much, do you? He brought you up, took you in. Maybe hes just struggling with happinesssome folk cant cope with it. He thought he couldnt have kids, then gets this surprise? Let me guesshe even did a paternity test?
Yes, how did you know?
Hes a businessman, isnt he? A proper one, tooa real bulldozer. Wont budge an inch. Sorry, I shouldnt talk about your dad like that
Sophie, why did you say happiness is hard to deal with?
Sometimes happiness comes as such a shock, people lose their heads. Like Ninaafter Pauls dad helped her buy a house, she was so happy she celebrated for weeks. Got herself and her husband into trouble with drink, ended up with Jamie on the way. We locked them in, stopped her drinking, made sure she was safe. But Jamies left with his heart condition life is complicated. Nina was wild, lived in a kennel with dogs until she was found. Mum Kate rescued both her and the dog.
Suddenly, the kitchen door flew open.
Sophie! Someones come for Katie! Gran says home!
A little girl, wide-eyed, stood in the doorway.
Didn’t wake anyone, did I? she asked sheepishly.
No, dear, all fine. Go see your dad. Thanks, sweetheart.
Sophie nodded after her.
Our Ninas oldest. Lovely kid. Off you go, Katie, or do you want me to walk you?
Ill manage. I hugged her suddenly. Thank you.
Dont mention it. Youre always welcome here, remember. This is your home now. You ever need us, you know where to come.
Its strange, Sophie All these people, none of you related, but it feels more like a family than anywhere Ive ever been.
Blood isnt everything, Sophie said quietly, stroking my hair. Its who you share your soul with that matters. Youll work it out.
My father came to fetch me. He hardly knew where to look. He didnt know that Aunt Kate had tracked him down for a chatsomething hed never talk about, but it made him realise things. He wanted me home, but I shook my head.
No, Dad. Thank you, but I dont want to go back. Its better this way.
Ill get you a flat.
I glanced at Aunt Kate and nodded. Thatd help, to start. Ill get a job, switch to part-time studies, support myself.
Ill sort it all out for you.
No, Dad. You taught me to stand on my own two feet. Thats what Im doing now.
Its not that you dont trust me? he asked, sombre.
No. It just feels right. Its time for me to live my own life.
Dad covered my tuition. I finished university, became one of the citys best child psychologists, with clients booking weeks ahead. Anna had her son; I was truly happy for their family, but we rarely spoke. Not because I still felt hurtfar from it. But the family Id found after meeting Aunt Kate became everything.
When Aunt Kate, whom we all called Mum, was laid up after a stroke, I dropped everything to return to the estate and care for her. The six months that followed were both the hardest and, oddly, the happiest of my life. I was surrounded by people who needed me and accepted me.
We did everything possible, and Aunt Kate eventually got back on her feetthough she wasnt as mobile, and spoke less clearly. Alex and Russ built a lovely bench for her at the gate, and Aunt Kate spent hours out there, laughing at the Your Majesty! jests as the children came for advice and arguments over games.
Look at my swing, Gran! Did you see Freds goal? First evera gorgeous one! He could get in the England squad!
I only returned to the city after making sure Aunt Kate was settled, and when I finally married, she was the first guest I invited.
Mum Kate, will you be there?
Always, darling. AlwaysAlways, darling. Why, who else would fasten your dress straight?
On my wedding morning, Mum Kate was therefragrant as ever, her strong hands smoothing the veil, her eyes glistening with unshed tears that matched my own. The little house was packed with her makeshift family, every life shed mended crowded into hallways and garden, all colors and ages. Laughter spilled from the kitchen, children dodged underfoot with flowers tucked behind their ears, and Sophie barked gentle orders, tea towel in hand. Alex nervously practiced the wedding march on his battered old guitar.
Before we left, Mum Kate handed me a wreath of tiny wildflowers twined with forget-me-nots. Her fingers lingered around mine a moment, just as my mothers once had, but warm and solid and full of everything Id ever needed.
You see, love, she whispered, life never does what we want, but it always gives what we needif were brave enough to meet it with open arms.
I carried that lesson down the aisle.
After the ceremony, under a sky brushed with summer clouds, our familyold, new, borrowed, and truegathered for the wildest, noisiest celebration Id ever known. Children shrieked around the garden, Alex and Sophie danced, Paul gave an awkward speech that brought tears and gales of laughter. My father came, too, stiff at first, then awkwardly smiling when Sophie pressed a plate into his hands and the youngest climbed his lap as if hed always belonged.
That night, as the lanterns flickered and music faded, I sat beside Mum Kate on her special bench at the gate. The air was sweet with honeysuckle and the sound of distant laughter.
I never had a daughter, she said, tracing the threads of my dress. Only children who needed one more chance to come home.
I rested my head on her shoulder, full to bursting with hope and sorrow and gratitude.
You gave us all a home, I said. You taught us how to stay.
She squeezed my hand, her grip as steady as ever.
No, love, she replied softly. You found your wayjust like the rest. And because of you all, I was never lonely.
And in that moment, I understood: families can be chosen, hearts reclaimed, and even the lost can find their way into the arms of love.
Under the silver wash of stars, with wildflowers in my hair and Aunt Kate at my side, I knewfinally, unshakeablythat I was home.
