Different Sorts of People
Sarah was never what youd call an easy child. Both Simon and Marion knew it was their own fault, reallythey spoilt her far too much. But how could they not? She was beautiful, gentle, and so hard-won. Marion struggled for years to get pregnant. Theyd been through countless doctors, even made several trips to London. Every time, the doctors merely shrugged and assured them all was well.
But if everything was fine, where was the baby? An older doctor suggested they try something more traditional, so they sought out an elderly lady in a nearby village who gave Marion a terribly bitter herbal tonic. Marion faithfully choked it down every day, and soon after, she conceived. Their jubilation was boundlessSimons laughter could be heard all down the terrace.
Marions pregnancy was wretched. Simon often feared shed lose the baby. She vomited constantly, couldnt stomach food or even certain smells, and her hands and feet swelled alarmingly. Marion barely slept and seldom left the house. When labour finally began, Simon was relievedbut their troubles had only started. After more than ten agonising hours, the doctors decided to perform a caesarean. Their daughter emerged frail and exhausted, and Marion lost a great deal of blood, spending two days hovering between life and death. But fortune favoured them; Marion recovered, and after nearly a month in the childrens ward with little Sarah, she brought her baby home. Simon had missed them terribly, desperate to dote on his daughter, over the moon to finally become a father.
Now, at last, real happiness would fill their home. They felt like a proper family, just as Simon had always dreamed.
When Sarah turned five, Simon came home, sat down across from Marion, and said, Marion, love, we need to think about building a house. We can’t stay in this cramped little flat much longer. It works for now, but Sarah will grow up, and she needs her own room.
Marion always supported him, but she didnt see where theyd get the money. Ive worked it out, Simon said. If we take it slow and build step by step, well manage. No need to rushsteady progress and well get there. Marion agreed it was a sensible plana spacious home of their own was every familys dream.
But the plan unravelled. Six months later Sarah fell very ill. It started as a cold, then complications set in, then another setback Marion and Sarah were rarely out of hospital. They were shuttled between clinics from Oxford to Manchester. The family sank into dreadful debt, but after nearly three years of treatment, Sarah finally recovered.
Building the house was the last thing on Simons mind. The debts were crushing. Still, Marion knew Simon quietly mourned the dream he had put aside.
With Sarah now almost independent, Marion took a job at the local factory, which paid better. If she and Simon both worked hard, perhaps one day they could try again for their dream.
They cleared their debts just before Sarahs fourteenth birthday. It wasnt easySarahs needs had only grown. She wanted new dresses, or a coat like Amandas. Of coursea teenage girl. Her school graduation loomed; Marion and Simon set aside what they could. They thought, once Sarah finished school and went off to university, perhaps theyd really begin again. But life didnt follow their script.
Sarah did go off to study in Bristol. Simon made slow progress on the housetwo years in, the walls were finally up. Temporary wooden boards substituted for doors and windows, but it was starting to feel like a real house. Two more years slipped by
One Sunday, Simon and Marion returned from a long day working on the houseutterly exhausted but happy. Theyd put in two new windows that day. The doorbell rang. Marion opened itand cried out in surprise. There stood Sarah, heavily pregnant, with a young man trailing awkwardly behind her.
Sarah, whats all this? Marion asked, staring at her belly.
Mum, dont be daft. Thats a baby, obviouslymine and Jamies. She nodded at her partner. This is Jamie. Hes living with us now, and were getting married.
Jamie, tousle-haired, nodded and silently chewed his gum.
Simon quietly joined them. They settled at the table and, after an awkward pause, he asked, Sarah, why didnt you tell us before?
Why bother? So I could listen to a sermon?
And your degree?
Oh, Ill manage fine without it. Jamie dropped out after his first year, and look, hes just fine.
Simon eyed the young man. So, Jamie, where do you work?”
Sarah bristled, Dad, honestly. He hasnt found the right thing yet.
Jamie nodded, expressionless.
Simon pressed, So how do you plan to support your family, then? Neither of you are working, and the babys on the way.
Sarah simply blinked. Well, youre my parents, arent you?
Unable to respond, Simon stalked off to the kitchen, biting back bitter words hed never meant to say to his own daughter. Marion joined him, and they both collapsed into silence, staring out the window before turning in for the night. The new couple slept on the sofa; Simon and Marion took the floor.
The next morning, Simon called Marion aside. I think its time we move into the house. Well tidy up a room and keep chipping away at it. Let the young ones have the flat as our wedding gift.
Marion nodded. It made sense. When they shared their decision, Sarah and Jamie could hardly hide their delight. Marion and Simon took only what furniture they needed, not wanting Sarah to feel she was inheriting empty rooms.
Right, love, Simon said. The flats yours now. Mind you take good care of it.
They hugged goodbye and left her to her new life.
The house was bare, but Marion never despaired. After work, shed prepare dinner, wash up in a basinfetching water from the tap down the streetand get stuck into the housework before helping Simon on the house. They laboured with stones and cement, Simon trying to shield Marion from the heaviest tasks, but she insisted on mucking in. Money was always tight; Sarah often visited to ask for more, and of course, Marion and Simon helped, though the house absorbed nearly everything.
One day, Simon couldnt keep his tongue. On a rare visit to Sarah and Jamie, he asked, So Jamie, still not found work?
Dad, theres nothing suitable. Hes not going to bust his back on a building site for peanuts.
But how does he expect to support a family?
Sarah glared, but Simon cut her off. I want to hear from your husband.
Jamie finally spoke, Never thought Id have to haul bricks and mix cement.
Simon retorted, Well, you cant expect everything handed to you. Youve got a family. Time to pull your weightyour parents-in-law wont last forever.
Later, as they left, Sarah saw them out.
Sarah, your layabout Jamie could at least lend a hand building the house. One day itll be yours.
Youre joking! Why should he help? You started this building larkit drives everyone mad!
Simon dropped it, too tired to argue. In the car, Marion handed Sarah a few pound notes, hoping Simon wouldn’t notice. He did, of coursebut he understood. She was still their daughter.
A week later, Jamie did find a job, though not on a sitejust a menial post at an office for less pay than a labourer, but at least it was something. Simon and Marion drew a shaky breathbetter this than nothing.
As they worked in the garden, a local boy, maybe ten or eleven, would often watch them from the road. He looked like he wanted to help but was too shy. He lived with his gran in a tiny house half-hidden by apple trees. In the cooler evenings, Marion and Simon would sit outside, chatting over a cup of tea as their bodies recovered and their spirits lifted, the house very slowly taking shape.
One evening, Simon spotted the boy again and invited him over. Marion fetched a mug of tea and a plate of biscuits.
Whats your name, lad?
Hello. Im Anthony.
Anthony smiled, took a mug, and thanked them.
So, were neighbours now?
I suppose we are, Anthony replied.
They chatted. Anthony explained his parents had died when he was small, and he lived with his ailing grandmother, doing all he could to help her.
Before leaving, Anthony said, Would you mind if I helped out sometimes? Its summer, theres no school, and it gets boring at home.
Marion and Simon exchanged glances.
Wed love the help. Will your gran mind?
Not a bit. Shell be happy Im doing something useful.
The next day, Anthony was already waiting for Simon when he got home from work. He picked things up quicklyso much so that Simon shooed Marion off. Go on, get lost! Much better working with a lad who knows which way round to hold a brick, not a woman who cant tell mortar from sand. Now with Anthony, this place will be finished in no time.
Marion huffed, but grinned. Spotting Anthonys gran sitting outside her house, Marion went over. Her name was Mrs. Petersona sharp, kind-hearted lady.
Do you mind Anthony helping Simon?
Mrs. Peterson was delighted. Nothing better than folk helping folk. Its useful for Anthony, better than mischief. He can learn something practical from your Simon.
Marion smiled, glancing at Simon. Shed always loved him; shed hoped Sarah might find such a man, but life hadnt worked out that way.
Why dont you come round for tea in the evenings? We always have it outside.
Seen you, Mrs. Peterson chuckled. I willit’s good to be friendly with neighbours.
That evening, after their work, they sat chatting awhile. Simon and Anthony debated how best to sort the plumbing while the women gossiped about this and that.
The very next day, Sarah gave birth. Simon and Marion rushed to the hospital, laden with treats and baby supplies. Even Jamie was there, flowers in hand. Returning home, they celebrated with a gatheringbarbecue in the garden, neighbours included. Mrs. Peterson offered her warmest congratulations.
Sarah and Jamie took their baby home. Jamie seemed more responsible, and Marion visited often to help out. But she overheard Jamie grumbling one day, Why does she keep coming? Cant you manage a baby on your own? Were our own family now; we dont need her telling us what to do. Marion was crushed, and when she told Simon, he said enough was enough. If they need us, theyll call or visit.
Anthony and Simon remained close as ever. Mrs. Peterson became almost like family to Marion. Before the new school year, Simon had even taken Anthony to town and bought him a smart new suit and a backpack. Mrs. Peterson cried in gratitude, but Simon just hugged the boy. Dont be silly, Anthonys like a son to me already.
One winter evening, years after the move, Anthony raced overpale and frightened. Mrs. Peterson had been ill for months, and Marion knew at once: it was the end. She went to the house and found Mrs. Peterson had passed peacefully in bed. Marion took charge of the funeral, and Anthony came to live with them. He was only fourteen, and it was unclear what the future heldmost likely a care home. Simon was determined to prevent that, but decided to focus on the immediate needs first.
After the funeral, Simon convinced social services to grant him guardianship. Anthony could stay, and theyd even get a modest guardians allowance. Meanwhile, Sarahs flat was fuller than everJamies sister had appeared with her own child, homeless after a messy split. The tiny one-bed was chaos, but Sarah didnt complain, and Simon and Marion decided not to interfere.
Anthony became more like a true son to themalways helpful. Marion couldnt remember the last time she carried her own shopping; Anthony insisted on doing it all.
When retirement finally came, Simon and Marion agreed Anthony deserved a good education. But Anthony surprised themhe started part-time work as soon as he enrolled in college. Though they tried to help, he assured them his grant and earnings were enough. Most weekends he visited, always bringing a treat and embracing Marion and Simon like his own parents.
Then Marion fell ill. She began wasting away, constantly tired. Simon was at his wits endshe was only sixty. He barely persuaded her into hospital. The doctor called Simon aside. Its cancer. Advanced. Im so sorryyou need to brace yourself. She has, at most, six months. For Simon, it was devastating. Marionhis Marionhad never even lived; she was always caring for someone, building a house.
He called Sarah. Sarah, your mothers ill.
Thats terrible, Dad, but what can I do?
Sarah, its cancershe only has six months.
His voice faltered.
Alright, I understand. Ill visit tomorrow.
But her visit lasted just one day. When Marion was discharged, the doctor warned shed soon need full-time careshe wouldnt be able to eat or wash herself.
Simon was readythere was nobody else. He knew they had a daughter, but surely Sarah wouldnt refuse to help?
After a month, the time came when Simon couldnt manage alone. He called his daughter.
Love, could you come over?
Oh, Dad, what now?
I need help washing Mum. I can’t do it myself.
For goodness sake. I cant keep trekking over every day. Ill try, but I cant promise.
Simon waited all day for Sarah, but she never camenot a word more from him. He knew then: they had made her what she was. Theyd spoilt her rotten, and shed grown up selfish.
When it grew dark, Simon knew nobody was coming. He struggled through the nights care, terribly hardMarion cried, Why must this drag on, for both our sakes. I wish I could go already.
Dont talk nonsense, Marion. You know life means nothing to me without you.
She managed a smile through her tears. What about Anthony? Someone still needs to see him married.
A month later, Marion was gone.
Anthony was openly heartbroken, weeping as he finished college. Simon hadnt told him how grave Marions condition was, but Anthony visited often and quickly guessed.
Anthony found work in his home townrented a flat and was valued in his new job. Simon missed him terribly in the empty house. He, Marion, and Anthony had worked so hard making it a real homecentral heating, hot water, everything cosy the way Marion had loved.
Anthony visited often, sometimes just for a cup of tea. Simon was always grateful. He often invited Anthony to move in instead of wasting money renting, but Anthony was firm. I can manage on my own.
Sarah rarely visited, only to borrow money or take something. Each time, she walked through the house and schemed, Whenever we move in, life will be better. Everyone will have their own room. They would have moved sooner, but Jamie and Sarahs father never got along, so the five of them had crammed into a poky flat.
Simons health suffered after Marion diedhis heart ached, breath was short. He tried every pill the neighbours recommended. Anthony moaned at him, You must see the doctor, Simon, not self-medicate!
But Simon brushed him off. At my age, its just part of life.
One evening, his chest pained him so badly, he could hardly breathe. He popped his usual pills, but the pain wouldnt shift. He dialled Sarah.
Love, my hearts really bad.
Sarahs annoyed voice answered, Take your tablets or call an ambulance. I cant just drop everything and rush across town.
She hung up. Simon had no choicehe called Anthony.
Anthony, sorry, but Im struggling.
Ill come straight away. Hold tight.
Anthony arrived with a young womanSimon realised this must be the mysterious Ellie hed mentioned. She was a paramedic and soon urged Simon into hospital.
Anthony and Ellie visited daily. Simon told Anthony, Youve got yourself a good one. You ought to marry her.
We want to wait until weve our own place. Saving up now.
Ellie and Anthony collected Simon from hospital, fussing over him. Sarah suggested he just get a taxi. Back home, Ellie cooked food for the next two days.
Make sure you rest, Simon. Ill be at work tomorrow.
Thanks, Ellie, but really, I can manage.
Id rather know youre eating well, she smiled.
Sarah came round the next day, did a perfunctory check of the house, and Simon finally spoke.
Why didnt you visit me in hospital, daughter?
Oh, Dad, the hospitals full of doctors. Would it really have helped if Id come?
It would have helped. Youre familya child always brings comfort.
Oh, spare me! Quit going on about it.
Dont raise your voice to me. When your mother was ill, you never helped, and now you ignore me. Sometimes I wonder if youre really my daughter.
Sarah snapped. Im sick of your whining and guilt-trips! When will you finally die? You live alone in this huge house while we squeeze into a poky flatarent you ashamed? Youre nothing but a burden, and you still make our lives miserable…
So thats ityou dont want your dad, you want my house. Where were you when we built it? Your husband lay about while your mother and I hauled stone. You never cared about this house then.
Sarah stormed out, slamming the door. Simon was not even hurthe had almost expected this. He realised hed a decision to make. Really, he already had, but wanted to consult Marionshe visited him often in dreams lately, and he hoped shed appear again that night.
He went to bed. Morning is wiser than evening. He slept well and woke refreshed. Anthony phoned to check on him.
Anthony, you wont believe it, but I feel grand todayfit for anything. Ellies a brilliant cook.
She is, Anthony agreed.
Anthony, can you help me find a solicitor who does home visits?
Of course. Is everything alright?
All finejust want to get some things sorted.
Alright, Ill find out and call you back.
An hour later, Anthony rang. Solicitors coming at three. Dont nod off before then. Sorry I cant be thereworks manic. Ill come with Ellie tomorrow.
Perfect, thank you.
The solicitor arrived promptly, finished up the paperwork in under an hourhis face registered surprise at Simons plan, but he didnt press. After the solicitor left, Simon knew hed done the right thing. He sat down to write a letter.
Anthony, if you are reading this, Im gone now. Please dont mournIm with my Marion again. I love you as a son, and Ellie is wonderful. Marry her, dont delay, build a happy family. As a wedding gift, Im leaving you the house. Youve earned ityour hands built these walls, you cared for me as your own father. Marion and I both agreed. Please dont argue or refuse my giftIll be watching. Take good care of it always.
Simon placed the letter and a photo of himself with Marion in a large envelope. He lay down on the sofa, holding the picture close, remembering meeting and marrying Marion, their lives together
Anthony helped Ellie out of the car, carrying a bag of fruit and other shopping. They walked into the gardenit was strangely quiet. Normally Simon greeted them at the door or waved from the window. Anthony tried the doorunlocked. Anxiety quickened his step. In the living room, he saw Simon lying on the sofa, photo clutched in hand. Apples and oranges tumbled from Anthonys dropped bag.
Dad
Ellie, kneeling beside Simon, shook her head gently.
Anthony broke down, kneeling at the sofa, overcome with grief. Ellie let him be. She knew how much Simon meant to him.
Later, after Simons body was taken, Sarah and Jamie arrived. Anthony found the envelope addressed to him and read the letter as Sarah and Jamie paced the house with a tape measure.
Ellie nudged Anthony to show the letter to Sarah.
Sarah, my dad left this letter for me, but I think you should see it.
Sarah glanced at the letter, flushed, and exploded.
Senile old fool! Lost his mind at the end, clearly! Shouldve died while he still had his senseswell, well see about this!
And she stormed from the house, loathing everyone.
