AUNT
We brought Aunt Pat from the countryside. She was getting on in years and struggling to keep up with the house and garden. My wife Margaret decided to fetch her and have her move in with us in London.
Myself, Thomas, had no objections. Im the quiet sort: wiry, bespectacled, and I tended to agree with Margaret in most things. Shes larger than life, full-figured and always speaking her mind.
Shes family, after all, Margaret declared. Pat never had any kids herself. And now that Mums gone My mother was thirty years younger than Pat, born to Dads second wife. But fate, eh? Mum left us so early. I feel for Aunt Pat! Lets take her in! Margaret decided.
Her children Ben and Ellie had never even met Aunt Pat. The truth is, Margaret herself had only seen her a couple of times. They never spoke on the phone, just sent an odd letter now and again. Apparently, Pat had never bothered with any modern gadgets.
So here she was, with us at last. Small as a pixie (thirteen-year-old Ben was taller), with fluffy hair like dandelion fluff, a pillbox hat perched on her head, and strikingly young, bright blue eyes.
She carried a cloth bundle and one of those old-style mesh shopping bags, along with two battered suitcases. In her arms rested a ginger cat, all fluff and attitude. He gave the flat a lazy look, hopped to the floor, and began his important business: exploring every corner.
Thats Mandarin, Aunt Pat announced. Brought him with me. Hes a living soul, hope you dont mind, she smiled.
Then she added, And look at you all, my dear ones!
There was a welcome dinner. Aunt Pat brought jars of homemade jams and preserves. Margaret was surprised how her usually fussy kids gobbled up jam, pickled cucumbers, chutneys, and more.
Margaret! Do you have a garden? Aunt Pat asked. Ill plant everything though my healths not what it was you must grow your own! You cant do without!
Margaret confessed that they didnt why bother? You could buy anything, and they hadnt the time. She worked two jobs; so did I, Thomas. The children only saw us in passing. Our flat was mortgaged, years left to pay.
A gardens necessary. Dont give me that look, Margaret. People need a bit of earth. Well find a plot and buy it, Aunt Pat said, retiring to her room.
Find a plot, sure, Margaret grumbled while washing up. She thinks were millionaires or something. Were barely getting by!
The next day was a Saturday. I lay blissfully in bed, reading the paper. Margaret shouted for the kids to heat up some ready meals and decided to catch up on sleep.
Ben and eight-year-old Ellie soon buried their faces in their phones. Mandarin the cat sat nearby, bobbing his head. Aunt Pat entered.
What are you doing? she asked.
Ben and Ellie tried to explain and even show her. Pat shook her head and replied, We had things like these in the village. Not quite as fancy, mind, but simpler. Never saw the need myself. Used to write letters to your mum, that was easier for me. But I see now you can find someone anywhere in the world! Useful, very.
She glanced at the phones. Enough now, come with me! Pat called.
But were playing! protested Ben.
Playing where? Youre just staring at screens, not calling anyone, Aunt Pat marvelled.
We play inside inside the phone! Ellie squeaked.
Aunt Pat began to tell them how they played in her village, then coaxed them into the kitchen.
Margaret appeared at the door and froze. On the table: a plate of pancakes. Ben grinned over a cup of tea, and Ellie, standing next to Aunt Pat, was folding pastry for homemade dumplings.
Look, Mum! Lucky ones here! Maybe youll get one, Ellie smiled.
I shuffled in, intrigued by the aroma.
From now on, weekends mean dumplings all together and pancakes! We should eat homemade food! Aunt Pat declared.
But whats the point? Everythings in the shops! Margaret protested. She hated cooking, preferring frozen food whenever possible. The family never minded until today.
No, Mum. Lets make them ourselves. Ive never had dumplings like these! Ben chimed in.
Aunt Pat grabbed a bundle of elastic bands, looped them around two chairs, then began showing Ellie the skipping games of her youth.
You dont play like this? she asked.
Hardly! Even when theyre outside, theyre glued to their phones! Kids these days, I sighed.
That wont do! You must speak in person! Phones are useful cant do without but they should be used for calls, or sending things that matter. And thats all, declared Aunt Pat.
Evenings, shed knit in her chair with Mandarin sprawled next to her.
Mum, look! Ellie tugged Margaret along one day.
They peered into the bathroom.
Aunt Pat was stroking the side of the washing machine, saying, Happy International Womens Day to you, dear machine! May you last many years!
Pat, what are you doing? Margaret whispered, half thinking Pat had lost her marbles.
Well, todays the 8th of March. Washing machines a she, so I thought Id congratulate her! Pat laughed.
But shes not even alive, Aunt, Margaret snorted.
All machines understand, dont say that. There was a bloke in our village, had his tractor stuck. He spoke kindly to it, and they managed to get it out. Another, old, always blesses his car before a trip and calls it Petronella. You dont realise how lucky you are! We used to wash clothes by hand. Loads! And went to the river to rinse. Now look at all youve got! Yet you still grumble. Youve got phones, if you use them properly always know where your child is. The machine washes everything. Microwave heats like magic, Pat marvelled, gazing fondly around.
She started meeting the kids after school.
One day Ben had troubles in class. He told neither his mum nor dad, but while crying in his corner, Aunt Pat entered and quietly, he confessed everything. Next morning, he skipped his first couple lessons, the house oddly silent not even Aunt Pat could be heard.
She must have gone for a walk, he thought, and set off for school.
Near his classroom, he heard a familiar voice. He peeked in: the teacher was seated, silent. Up front Aunt Pat, avidly talking.
Oh no! Why has she come? Theyll all laugh at me! Ben leaned against the door.
But no one laughed. The lesson ended, classmates crowded round Aunt Pat. Ben slipped inside as Pete, the chief mischief-maker whod always tormented Ben, grinned.
Hey, why so late? Your grans brilliant! Shes told us so many things. Wish I had a grandmother I miss her so much. Tomorrow your aunts coming to the park with us. She knows loads about plants and animals! Speaks so well! Teacher gave her the floor, Pete smiled.
Yeah she is, Ben replied, running to Pat for a hug.
That evening, Margaret broke down in tears. Exhausted by work, by life, she found Aunt Pat next to her.
Dont cry, love. What is it? Everythings here. Why are you sobbing? Pat soothed.
I cant take it! I work so much I cant enjoy life. Thomas is so meek Other men, theyre real! Ive become lost in myself. Women like me arent fashionable anymore, Margaret sobbed on Pats shoulder.
Pat let her cry, poured her tea, and began to share. How she lost three children in infancy, how her strong, handsome husband died young, how she battled illness, nearly wasting away, yet endured despite terrible pain.
Whats all this nonsense about fashion? God made us all differently. Some slender as reeds, others with curves. Everyones tastes vary. Once hearty women were prized! Youre wonderful your hair curls naturally, your eyes are big and blue, your figure is lovely. Cherish what youve got! Some have nothing. Many are lonely. Thomas is a gem looks at you with love, does everything for the family. Your kids such happiness. As for the rest… itll work out. I nearly forgot time for bed! Pat left Margaret in the kitchen.
Margaret felt foolish for crying. Pat was right. She had everything. Why was she so down?
That day, she waited for me to return from work (her holiday had finally come). But I was missing.
Kids! Has Dad called? Where is he? she asked.
Ben was stirring things in a mug in the kitchen. Hed started cooking flipping pancakes high and mastering dumplings.
Ellie built a fort out of chairs, draping sheets and gathering toys inside.
Their phones lay untouched on the shelves; lately, Margaret noticed they used them only for calls.
Margaret dialled me repeatedly. The message: The number you have dialled is temporarily unavailable.
Her heart sank. Aunt Pat! Where was she? No shuffling slippers or gentle voice.
She rushed to Pats bedroom. Mandarin stretched lazily on the bed.
Ben! Ellie! Wheres Aunt Pat? Margaret gasped.
The children hurried in.
We came home from school with her. Then she went out, Ellie whispered.
When? How long ago, Ellie? Margaret pressed. Her daughter nodded, eyes brimming with tears.
Good Lord! We got her a mobile and she hasnt taken it again. Shes so old! How could she?! Margaret sank into a chair.
Ben dashed off to put his shoes on.
Where are you going? Margaret followed.
To find her! Mum, we cant be without her! Ben raced downstairs.
Ellie slipped into trainers, hurrying after him.
Margaret pulled on her coat, chasing them.
The children stood outside the block, grinning.
Whats going on? asked Margaret.
They pointed left.
There, arm-in-arm with me, Aunt Pat strode along in a hat adorned with poppies.
Aunt! You scared us! Gone for hours without a word! And you, where were you? Margaret buried her face in my shoulder.
We went to sort out your leaking your boiler! Aunt Pat declared.
What? How? Margaret stammered.
We wanted to surprise you. Pats a star. No words, she saved us! I laughed.
Aunt Where did the money come from? You shouldnt have Margaret began.
What do you mean? Firstly, I saved up. My pensions decent. I kept my own house, hardly spent. Had my own eggs, milk, baked my own bread. Secondly, I sold my cottage. Why do I need it? There arent pockets in a coffin. I wanted to leave it all to you, but its best to give it now, when its needed, Pat explained simply.
Margaret was silent. Now she neednt work two jobs. More time for the family. What a relief!
Yes, tomorrow were off to the countryside to look at a plot! Pat and I have already chosen a cottage! I said.
A house of our own! Hurrah! Garden! And you promised to show us how to watch fireflies, weave baskets, and make hidden treasures with coloured glass and flowers for digging up later! The kids hugged Aunt Pat.
Together, arms around each other, we headed home.
Margaret paused for a moment at the door, gazed skywards, and whispered:
Thank you. Thank you for Aunt Pat!Mandarin darted ahead, tail high, as if he, too, knew everything would change.
That evening, as the sun dipped behind Londons rooftops, Aunt Pat placed her battered suitcases by the door. She gathered the family closeMargaret, me, Ben, Ellie, and the cat.
We have what matters most, Aunt Pat said softly. A place at the table. Arms to hug. Seeds to plant and stories to tell. Thats all anyone needs.
The kettle whistled and laughter rose above the citys hum. Ben passed round plates stacked with pancakes, Ellie tucked a daisy behind Mandarins ear, and Margaret wiped away the last of her tears.
Through the open window, spring air carried the promise of gardens and fireflies and new beginnings.
Tomorrow would come, bursting like sunrisebut tonight, they were already home.
