Hey Mum, Dad, hello you asked us to swing by, whats happening?
Molly and her husband Tom burst into the old family flat, breathless.
It actually goes back a while. Mums been ill, a serious illness, second stage
Shed finished a round of chemo and then radiation. The cancer went into remission, her hair started to grow back a bit. But it was still too early to relax; her condition kept getting worse.
Good evening, Molly, Tomcome in, Mum said, pale and thin as a schoolgirl.
Kids, have a seat. Weve got a rather odd favour to ask, so listen to Mum, Dad added, looking a bit flustered.
Molly and Tom dropped onto the sofa, eyes fixed on Mum. Irene sighed, glanced at her husband Brian, as if seeking his support.
Molly, Tom, dont be surprised, but Ive got a strange request. Basically were begging you.
Please adopt a boy for us, please! Were getting too old, and there are other reasons, too.
A brief, heavy silence fell.
Molly was the first to speak.
Mum, I think youll be shocked. Weve been meaning to tell you for ages but were scared. Tom and I really want a son, and we already have two granddaughtersyour little girls, Lucy and Hannah.
Theres no guarantee the next baby will be a boy. Its also about healthMollys had a Csection, and the doctors say she shouldnt have any more children. So we thought maybe adopting a little boy from a childrens home could be the answer. A sweet, tiny son to bring into our family. And then you say the same thing, Mum where did you get the idea?
Irene ran her hand over the patch of hair that was just growing back, nervous. Molly, I dont even know where to start, she whispered. My conditions deteriorating again.
Then my old friend Aunt Nadia dropped inremember her from my previous job? She used to have a mole over her eye that almost covered it. Everyone warned her it might turn nasty, but now shes here, molefree and looking brilliant.
Shed just been visiting Grandma Zoe out in the countryside, and after a chat we both decided to head over to Zoes farm. People from all over the country come to see her; shes helped loads of folks. I thought, why not give her a hand, and we went.
Molly and Tom listened, breath held, not quite sure where this was leading.
So, kids, Irene continued, Grandma Zoe asked me a strange question straight awaydo I have a son?
Shed only ever had one daughter, Molly, and two beloved granddaughters, Lucy and Hannah. Grandma Zoe pressed, And what about the girl?
I was stunned, because nobody but Brian and I knew Id had a lateterm miscarriage. I was supposed to have a firstborn boy, my first child, for you, Molly.
But the baby didnt survive, Irene fidgeted with the hem of her shirt.
What then? Molly asked, eyes wide.
Then Grandma Zoe saidadopt a boy. She turned and left, and tears started to fall, as if Id somehow failed to keep that first son safe.
Now I have to give warmth and love to another child, to restore that balance.
And you know what? I actually want this. Brian and I can give a kid both warmth and love and everything hell need.
Its not even about my recovery. I just have this clear, firm wishto save at least one little life from orphanhood and loneliness. You get me?
Mum, I understand and Im totally behind you, Molly said, tears spilling, Lets do it.
Molly and Tom had already spoken to the childrens home manager about adopting a little boy, and they were invited to see the kids.
Irene and Brian, of course, came along too. In the playroom, on a soft carpet, kids around three and older were fussing about toys.
Look, Mum, that blond boy looks a lot like youhes building a tower so carefully he even sticks his tongue out, Molly whispered, pointing at one youngster.
Irene glanced over and liked him too. Then, from a corner, a slightly older boy with sad eyes muttered something.
Irene turned. Did you say something? I didnt catch that, she asked.
The boy stepped closer, his voice barely audible. Auntie, please take me. I promise you wont regret it. Take me
Molly and Tom quickly completed the paperwork and adopted the boy, naming him Liam. Lucy and Hannah were over the moon to have a little brother.
Liam settled in fast, calling Molly Mum and Tom Dad. Hed often visit Grandma Irene and Granddad Brian, who lived nearby, and even walked to school from there.
He started calling Irene Mum Irene, oddly enough, not Grandma. She held her breath, watching him, feeling as if he were the son shed once lost.
Doctors pushed Irene into another round of treatment, but it didnt helpher health kept worsening.
Liam looked into her eyes, gently stroking his short hair.
Mum Irene, why are you ill? I want you to get better!
I dont know, love, she said, smiling at his nickname, but Ill try my hardest, I promise.
Brian spoke to the surgeon, who was adamant about an operation.
What are the odds? Brian asked.
The odds are fiftyfifty. Well do everything we can, and thatll give her the best chance.
They decided to go ahead.
On the day of the operation everyone was on edge. Molly kept ringing Dads phone. He arranged with the surgeon to be kept in the loop, and Brian was a bundle of nerves.
He couldnt immediately find Liam. He finally spotted the boy in their bedroom, near Irenes robe, sitting on the floor, face buried in the fabric, crying softly.
Dont go, Mum Irene, I cant lose you again, he whispered, please stay with me, always, Mum Irene!
The phone rang, startling both Brian and Liam. The doctors voice sounded exhausted and flat, and Brians heart felt like itd stopped.
Is it really over? Did Irene make it through?
Its Dr. Michael Hughes. The surgery was tough, but she pulled through. Your wife held on.
She was hanging by a thread, but she made it. It felt as if some higher power had steadied her at the very brink.
Thank you, thank you, Doctor! Brian hugged Liam tightly.
You heard correctlyMum Irene is alive and well. Were so grateful shes got more time. Theres still a reason to keep going.
Thank you, thank you, Mum, Liam said, his voice shaky but full of relief.
