Catherine has now been waiting in line for over two hours to see Granny Nora. This old healer is the last hope for the young woman. For several years, Catherine has tried to carry a child to term, but for reasons no one can explain, she has never succeeded.
I dont really know what to say All your tests look brilliant, no signs of any problems, the doctor had shrugged apologetically. But surely there must be a reason? If Im in perfect health, why cant I have a baby? Catherine had pleaded, desperate for answers. I honestly cant say. Modern medicines just not able to help here. Maybe you could try going to church? the doctor had suggested quietly.
***
Catherine and her husband James have been married for five years. Everything seems wonderful for the young couple: plenty of money, their own flat, love and understanding. Except for one thingtheres never been the sound of a childs laughter in their spacious and elegant home.
Catherine has long suspected they were cursed, and the doctors words only cemented that suspicion.
Church is all well and good, but what you really need is a proper healer, her friend had urged, jotting down an address. Go, dont hesitate. The sooner the better!
Finally, Catherines turn came. She stepped timidly across the threshold of the little cottage. The sight of a thin, kindly old lady in a white headscarf and a flowery frock made Catherine smile. Shed always imagined a healer would be terrifying, with fangs at the very least and a black cat perched on her shoulder.
Hello, my dear! Sit yourself down here, just by the family photo, the old woman beckoned in a gentle, comforting tone.
Ive got a terrible problem Catherine couldnt help but burst into tears.
I know what youre going through, love. Ill help however I can, Granny Nora soothed.
Catherine obediently took a seat on the soft chair beside a big old photograph of the Virgin Mary. The old woman began slowly reciting a prayer, circling a candle around Catherines body. The whole ritual lasted about twenty minutes. Afterwards, Granny Nora sat opposite Catherine and gently took her hand.
You simply wont be able to have children. Theres a curse upon you, since childhood, that needs to be prayed away, she said, calm and matter-of-fact.
What curse? Why would anyone put that on me? Ive never done anyone any harm
Not you, love. Your mother did something terribleand now youre paying for it, the healer explained.
But thats not fair! My mums been gone so many yearswhy should I suffer for her mistakes? Catherine protested.
Thats the way of the world, my dear. We dont make the rules
Can you help me? Catherine asked in a voice full of hope.
Im afraid not. If it were a hex or the evil eye, maybe. But this You need to find out who your mother wronged, and do your best to make amends. Most of all, remember to praynot just for yourself, but for your enemies too.
Thank you, Catherine whispered.
She got into her car and rang her husband. James? I wont be back tonight. I need to see Aunt Gladys. Ill explain later, love. Later, she said, and set off for the village.
Cathy! Why didnt you say you were coming? Id have got the kettle on! Aunt Gladys exclaimed in delight.
Im here for a reason, Catherine cut in. You need to tell me the truth. What did my mother do? What am I being punished for? What sins?
Wheres all this coming from? her aunt stammered.
Catherine explained about the visit to the healer, recounting everything word for word.
Well, who would have thought All right, listen here
Gladys told her niece that Catherines mother, Jean, had been the belle of the village. Plenty of lads fought for her affection, but she fell for a married man. Without a second thought, Jean broke up Georges family and took him for herself. His wife, Mary, was left alone with a newborn baby in her arms.
Poor Mary was utterly devastated, and things got so bad that she once crawled to Jeans door and begged her to give her husband back. But proud Jean threw her out and laughed in her face.
In desperation, Mary cried out a terrible curse at Jean and any children she might have in the future
And what happened after that? Catherine whispered, horrified.
Your mother married George, then you were born. But as you know, neither of them lived long. One after the other it was almost spooky. Perhaps Marys curse really did work. And now, you cant have a baby yourself Gladys sighed, raising her hands in despair.
Is Mary still living in the village? I want to ask for her forgiveness, for the sake of what my mother did.
Mary didnt exactly go onto better things Not long later, she lost her mind. She was quiet at first, harmless but one day she attacked someone in the street, completely mad. After that, they sent Mary to a mental hospital, and her son, Leonard, went into care.
Leonard? He must be older than me, only by a few years. That means hes my half-brother, right? Catherine realised.
Yes. But hes not done well After the childrens home, Leonard came back, started drinking, getting into trouble. Then one winter, he got lost in the woods. They found him the next daysaved his life, but not his legs. Hes in a wheelchair now.
I see So my mother not only broke up a marriage, she ruined innocent lives too.
Thats how it seems, Aunt Gladys agreed.
Aunt, take me to see my brother. I have to see him, Catherine said determinedly.
Are you mad? Hes always drunk. Who knows what state hell be in? Best you head home! Dont put yourself through it!
No. If you wont help, someone in the village will tell me where to find Leonard, Catherine replied, standing up.
Fine! Have it your way! Just dont blame me afterwards, Gladys grumbled, pulling on her coat.
They walked through the snow to Leonards house. When they arrived, Catherine barely recognised it as a homethe little shack was half-falling down, the fence rotten and fallen over, no sign of electricity. In the dirty little window, she saw the faint glow of a kerosene lamp. Catherine knocked uncertainly.
Its not locked! came a raspy male voice.
Cathy, Ill be out here. Shout if you need me! whispered Aunt Gladys.
Catherine nodded and stepped inside. A stale stench of cheap tobacco and wine hit her. Cigarette butts and empty bottles littered the place. At the table, in a wheelchair, sat a man of indeterminate age. On the table, curled up, was a snowy white catthe only clean and comforting thing about the room.
Your cats sleeping on the table, Catherine said awkwardly, unsure how to begin.
Not your business! Snowy does what he likeshes the real boss around here, Leonard slurred, blinking at his visitor. What dyou want? If youre from the council, you can shove off! Im not going anywhere.
No, Im here for another reason. My names Catherine, Im your half-sister, she blurted out.
Well, look at that Sisters come to visit! Leonard sneered. Here for the inheritance? Well, there isnt onethe house belongs to my mum!
Len, Im here to say sorry. Is there anything I can do to help you?
Leonard laughed cruelly, pain and bitterness clear in his eyes. The more Catherine looked at him, the more she saw their fathers face.
Have you got a hundred quid? he asked suddenly.
Catherine silently opened her handbag and took out five hundred pounds, placing it on the table. Thanks! Right, you can leave now, I forgive you! If you want to be forgiven again, just pop by! Leonard laughed.
Do you want to see a doctor? Or do you need any medicine? Catherine fumbled for something to say.
Thanks, but Im fine. Now get out, I need to sleep.
Catherine left the house in silence, walking numbly back to her aunts. Tears blurred her vision; shed thought she was prepared for anything, but seeing her brothers condition was a shock.
Well? Did you talk? Aunt Gladys hurried after her.
We talked
Did he forgive you? she persisted.
Yes! Catherine snapped. Thank you for helping. Im going home.
Stay the night, its late
No, I need to get back to town, Catherine lied.
More than anything, Catherine wanted to be alone. After everything shed just learned, she needed time to process it all.
For the next week, Catherine drifted about listlessly. Thoughts of Leonard haunted her day and night; whatever happened, she was the only family he had left. Not knowing what else to do, Catherine decided to go to church. After the service, she sincerely prayed for her enemies too, just as Granny Nora had taught her.
Is it all weighing on you, my child? the priest asked.
Catherine realised she was the last one left in the church.
Sorry, am I keeping you? Im just leaving, she said quietly.
Maybe youd like to talk? Lighten your burden? the priest suggested.
Catherine broke down and told him everything, all the details, nothing left out.
What can I say? he mused. You shouldnt have wasted your time with the healer. She was wrong: children are not responsible for their parents sins. The only thing she got right was about prayer. You must always pray, and not just for your loved ones, but for those who have hurt you too.
Please advise mewhat should I do about my brother? Id like to help, bring him out of that place, but Im afraid my husband might not understand.
Follow your conscience, and your heart, the priest replied.
The next day, Catherine drove back to see Leonard, resolved.
Whatre you here for this time? More money? he grumbled.
Leonard was sober and angryclearly not feeling well.
No, Im not. Get your things, youre coming with me. No arguments! Im your sister and I cant just watch you destroy yourself. You may not need me, but I need you. Youre the only family I have left.
Where? Where are we going? Leonard stammered, thrown by her decisiveness.
First to hospital, then home with me. Ive got a big two-storey house and a huge gardenwell have enough room for everyone.
Leonard stared, torn between hopelessness and a faint hope. He barely knew Catherine, but he was sick of his current life.
If you dont like it, Ill take you straight back, no questions asked. No ones forcing you.
One condition, he said seriously. Snowy comes with me! and gestured at the fluffy white cat.
Of course! Ive wanted a cat for ages! Catherine grinned.
***
Three months have passed. Leonard has settled in completely. It turns out, beneath his rough edges, hes kind and funny. Hes taken a keen interest in computers and has started an online course to become a programmer.
Len, the prosthetics from Germany are coming tomorrow. Give it a few months and youll be on your feet! James says, clapping him on the back.
Thank you! I never thought Id walk again, Leonard wipes a tear away.
Its all down to Catherine She was so happy to find her brother, James smiles.
Six months later, James and Leonard are waiting outside the maternity ward, beaming through the glass at Catherine, whos showing off their newborn twins.
Its going to get lively around here! James laughs.
Well Uncle, ready for two new nieces or nephews? Leonard teases.
Always ready! Leonard grins. Well manage, the lot of us!From behind the glass, Catherine caught their eyes and waved, her own bright with joyful exhaustion. The twins stirred, tiny hands reaching into a future none of them could have imagined months ago. James pressed a kiss to the glass, unable to contain his happiness. Leonard, clutching a small bouquet awkwardly in his lap, felt an unfamiliar fullness in his chesta warmth that washed away years of bitterness and spite.
In the days that followed, Leonard found himself at the center of their little family, his rough laughter echoing through rooms that had once seemed far too quiet. Snowy the cat became a dignified guardian of the nursery, curling neatly between the twins cots while Catherine watched them all with an astonished sense of contentment.
One crisp evening, as the garden filled with the golden light of sunset, Catherine sat beside Leonard on the porch. The sounds of James bathing the babies filtered out the open window, mingling with the gentle purr of Snowy on Leonards lap.
I thought curses lasted forever, Leonard said, his voice soft as the dusk. Turns out some things are stronger. Love, for one.
Catherine leaned her head on his shoulder, the peace shed sought for so long finally with her. There are wounds only forgiveness can heal. Maybe thats how curses are brokenone act of kindness, one choice to love, enough times that the past finally lets go.
They sat together in silence, the new beginning settling gently between thema patchworked family, mending their hearts together, stronger and truer than any curse.
Inside, the twins began to giggle, their laughter bubbling upthe first sweet sound of the life Catherine had always dreamed of. Together, with arms around each other and hope bright before them, they stepped inside, ready for everything their future would bring.
