Antonia Perkins trudged through the rain, tears streaking down her cheeks, mingling with the relentless drizzle.
Well, at least its pouring today, she thought, with a hint of morbid humour. No one can spot the tears free camouflage, courtesy of English weather!
She also mused, Its my own fault. Turned up at the wrong time. The classic unwanted guest situation.
She walked and wept, and at some point, found herself chuckling, remembering the old joke where a son-in-law says to his mother-in-law: What, are you not even staying for a cuppa?
Now here she was, squarely in that mothers soggy shoes.
She laughed and cried, then cried and laughed, as only someone bludgeoned repeatedly by familial nonsense can.
Home at last, she peeled off her drenched clothes, wrapped herself in her tartan blanket, and finally let herself bawl with abandon. There was no one around, save for her goldfish, who swam listlessly in its bowl, eyeing her up like some aquatic psychologist. Nobody else cared.
Antonia Perkins, now past her prime but still rather interesting, had always turned heads. As for Niks dad? Not the finest catch in the Thames. A drinker, at first tolerable sip and nap, no bother. But then, out came the green-eyed monster.
Jealousy of everyone! The chap who asked directions; the butcher selling sausages; the old gent with a walking stick; even the neighbour, who occasionally borrowed her sugar.
One day, when Antonia smiled at said neighbour, he simply lost all faculties.
He walloped her. Knew all the dark arts went for the kidneys. Right in front of little Nick.
Nick, as only an English child can, relayed the whole story to Granny and Granddad, adding dramatic details that made his granny sob.
Oh, for heavens sake! Did I really raise my daughter for some drunken sod to thump her?
Granddad simply donned his coat and went out. Right there and then, he met his so-called son-in-law on the staircase and gave him an express lift down from fourth floor to street, like a suitcase. Guy snapped his arm on the way down.
Granddad shook his fist at him. If I see you with my Antonia again, Ill finish you off. Ill rot in jail, but you wont spoil her life any longer.
That man vanished, as if blown by the wind. Antonia never remarried. She had Nick to worry about. Why gamble again?
Men chased her; she remained unmoved her fill of drama for this lifetime.
Materially, Antonia had few complaints. She was a skilled catering manager in a snug restaurant. Life was quite tolerable.
She squirrelled away a bit each month for a flat. By the time her nest egg hatched, Nick announced he was getting married. Clever lad, with a fiancée called Emily proper English lass.
So, Antonia gave up her poky council flat to them, hosted a cracking wedding, and gave them a lovely new two-bed place. How could she not? Theyre family.
Now she was saving up for a car for the couple, thinking, Theyve rattled round in that decrepit old Ford for too long.
She hadnt planned to pop round to Nicks today she never imposed on her kids. But fate put her nearby when the skies erupted. No brolly, naturally. And the downpour would have laughed at an umbrella anyway.
Thinking she might wait it out, she darted to Nicks. Maybe have a goss with Emily, put the world to rights over tea.
But Emily, opening the door, stared at her as if it was an appraiser from the council. Didnt ask her in. Just said, arms crossed, standing in the drafty hallway:
Mrs Perkins, is there something you needed?
Antonia fumbled, flustered, trying to explain:
Justthe rain
Rains stopped now! Youre not far. Youll manage, Emily said crisply, glancing at the window.
Yes, yes Antonia mumbled, slinking away, tears streaming anew as she rejoined the sodden pavements.
She cried, and cried, and eventually dozed off at home.
And in her sleep, she dreamt of her goldfish.
It swelled up enormous, mouthing words underwater. Yet somehow Antonia understood.
Moping? How daft! Emily couldnt even make you a cup of tea in the rain! And youre saving for their car? Will you always fund their lives? Always put yourself last? Look at you! Smart, beautiful, financially sound! Youre saving for a car for kids who barely care. Sod that. Go to the seaside! Live a bit.
Antonia awoke in the dark.
The fish still circled the bowl, lips moving. But shed lost her gift for fishy translation. Still, she seized the underlying message: never offer yourself up to ungrateful, cheeky sorts who wouldnt spare the time for tea or shelter from the storm.
She took the money shed saved for the kids car, booked herself a holiday to the coast, and off she went! Sun-kissed, refreshed, she came home to a changed life.
Nick and Emily didnt even twig they only visited or rang if they wanted cash, or a babysitter.
And just like that, Antonia stopped running from men, and caught herself a suitor. A rather dashing chap the restaurants manager, no less. Hed always fancied her, but shed been too wrapped up in family drama. Now things fell into their proper place. Both to work in the morning, both home at night. Life, suddenly, felt sweet.
Recently, Emily called round.
Mrs Perkins, why dont you come visit? Havent heard a peep! Nicks found a car he likes
Emily, did you want something in particular? Antonia asked, crossing her arms with polite indifference.
Emily opened her mouth to reply, but was interrupted when the elegant gent peeked in:
Toni, fancy some tea?
Love to! Antonia smiled.
Invite your guest! the man said generously.
Oh, Emilys just leaving. She doesnt drink tea. Isnt that right, Emily?
Antonia closed the door behind her daughter-in-law, winked at her goldfish, and burst out laughing.
Thats more like it, she told her fish.
Antonia Peterson Walked Through the Rain in Tears, Her Grief Hidden by the Downpour—The Heartache of an Unwelcome Visit, a Kind Mother-in-Law Turned Away at the Door, Memories of Past Love and Betrayal, and the Golden Fish’s Wise Advice: Don’t Live Only for Others—A Journey to the Sea, New Joy, and Assurance That She Would Never Again Wait on the Doorstep for Tea That Was Never Offered
