Diary Entry
How I Became a Mum Because of My Kind Heart
This evening, as I walked through the entrance hall of our block of flats in Bristol, I stopped short. There, right by my front door, sat a cardboard box. For a moment, I just stared at it, utterly bemused. Inside, curled tightly together, were a dog and a cat, both trembling and watching me with wide, anxious eyes.
Who are you, and where on earth did you come from? I muttered, fully aware neither of them would be answering.
Just then, Mrs. Ritchie from next door poked her head out.
Oh, good evening, Emily! You wouldnt believe it Mrs. Wyatt from the second floor passed away, and her niece still hasnt been able to find homes for her pets. She tried everyone but no one would take them. My old Bertie wont tolerate other cats, and others on the floor are allergic. You and Sam dont have children, and you both earn well perhaps you could find it in your heart?
Honestly, Mrs. Ritchie, weve never planned on having pets, let alone two at once I replied, still feeling taken aback.
It really wouldnt be right to separate them. Theyve always been together, sleep cuddled up. Mrs. Wyatt used to take the dog for walks, and the cat was quite content going outdoors on his own really, not much trouble at all.
Maybe you could take them? Mrs. Ritchie pleaded, her voice tinged with hope.
And if we dont? I asked, not sure I wanted to know. What will happen to them?
Theyve already called someone about having them put down, love. Box is the first step. The flats almost sold, new owners wont want pets, she explained.
At that moment, a neighbour came in and glanced at me, then nodded at the box. Maybe you and Sam could take them in? Theyre quiet, not fussy, both a bit old Theres really no one else. Sad, really Mrs. Wyatt absolutely doted on them.
Before I had time to think about it properly, I said, Alright, bring them in. I cant stand the idea of putting them down. Sorry, I dont even know their names weve only lived here a couple of years.
He broke into a smile and carried the box into our hallway. Dogs name is Alfie, and the cat is Jasper. Thank you so much He put a twenty-pound note and a lead on our hall table. Just to get you started.
After shutting the door, I hung up my coat and knelt down in front of our new houseguests.
Well, you two, I said gently, Sam will be in for a surprise. He might be shocked, but I think, deep down, hell support me. Hes soft-hearted too.
Dont worry, no ones going to hurt you now. Honestly, to think theyd put you to sleep I muttered, shaking my head in disbelief.
Jasper appeared to understand, cautiously stepping out of the box, whiskers twitching as he began to explore the flat. Alfie sat still, watching, before slowly edging closer to me.
I went into the kitchen and opened the fridge of course, there was no pet food. Instead, I quickly cooked some porridge oats and chopped a few bits of leftover chicken in. Surely both would be happy with that for now.
To my relief, when Jasper finally wandered into the kitchen, he showed immediate interest in the food. Alfie lingered on the threshold for a while, but after seeing his friend tucking in, edged over and gazed up at me with those melancholy eyes.
Sam came home from work shortly after and stared at me, then at the pets, flabbergasted. I explained what had happened. We both agreed, just in case, that perhaps we should try to find someone with a larger homemaybe a house in the countryside.
Sam and I had been married for four years, and this flat was our first bought together, just two years ago. We loved each other and lived in harmony, only wishing for a child to complete our happiness.
Emily, youve always kept everything so neatyou never even wanted a pet before, Sam said, still a bit taken aback.
I always thought a child would come first. But these twothey would have been put down, Sam. I just couldnt let that happen. Please, try to understand, I replied, blinking back tears.
I love animals too, love. Its finewell look after them, and tomorrow at work Ill ask around and see if anyones got a sprawling garden, he said, giving me a hug.
From that moment, our lives changed. Jasper and Alfie quickly settled in. As it turned out, their old flat had been just above oursthe same layout, same communal garden.
Youre wonderful, I would tell them as they padded around the flat. It feels like youve always been here.
I started walking Alfie three times a day, and soon Jasper had figured out the window route to come and go as he pleased.
Mrs. Ritchie was clearly delighted, bringing over scraps and leftovers for Alfie and the last spoonfuls of porridge for Jasper.
Each evening, Sam and I would sit in fits of laughter watching Jasper get stuck into the new toys or seeing Alfie sprawled out, snoring softly in their new bed. They always slept curled up together. The bond was obvious, and it was clear they shouldnt be separated.
Soon, Sam and I abandoned any thoughts of rehoming them. They were now part of our family, and we couldnt imagine the flat without them.
My mum would visit at weekendsshe only lived a short walk away. At first, she was startled by my burgeoning menagerie but quickly warmed to them.
Id love the little cat, but Im three flights up and he so loves the garden! she said one day.
I put my foot down. No, Mum. Instead, you can help us by pet-sitting when we go away. Well need you to water the plants and keep them company.
Summer came and Sam and I headed down to the seaside for a proper holiday. I rang Mum almost daily, fretting about the pets.
Dont worry, love. All is wellthey eat well, sleep together, and we walk every day in the garden. Enjoy yourselves! she assured me.
When we came back, I was greeted with the most heartwarming welcome from Alfie and Jasper Alfie wagged his tail, jumped up and whimpered with joy. Jasper, after Alfies exuberance, wound himself around Sams legs, purring like mad.
Well, theres no doubting itwere their family now, said Sam, grinning as I knelt to hug Alfie and put supper out for them both.
Bit by bit, my own habits changed. I started waking up earlier, so I could walk Alfie before work and feed them their breakfast.
Then, a couple of months on, with no small amount of nerves and excitement, I shared the long-awaited news with Sam: I was expecting. We both cried with joy.
Mum beamed when she heard. See, love! Alfie and Jasper were sent to test your kindness. Now its your turn for happiness. Best start getting ready for motherhood!
Maybe so, Mum, though you know I dont believe in fate and omens, I laughed, but to be honest, looking after the petsthe cleaning, caring, loving them It does feel a bit like practice for a child.
If youd like, I could take them to mine for a bit once the babys born, she offered gently.
But I shook my head. No, Mum, honestly. Well manage. Well all stay together. Though Id love your help with the pram once the babys here!
She pulled me in for a hug.
Pregnancy went smoothly and, right on time, our little boy arrived. Sam was over the moon, as was I and the whole family.
Alfie, older and very gentle, never barked or caused trouble, and Jasper spent warm days outdoors, basking in the sun or climbing the old horse chestnut. We settled into a new, warm routine. At last, our family was complete.
Mrs. Ritchie loved to retell the story about how I became a mum thanks to my kindness, and soon enough all the neighbours on our street had heard it.
She tells it as if its a proper talea little proof that the universe pays you back for the love you give.
What do you think? Is Mrs. Ritchie right?
