Parents never stop worrying about their children, do they? Sometimes, they find themselves a bit put out by the way their now-adult offspring turn out. Todays little tale involves three grown-up daughters and their weary mother.
Lets start with the mothers saga.
Margaret raised three children. All of them have flown the nest and are busy building lives of their own. Her eldest, a son, has married and works somewhere abroad. He dutifully sends the odd postcard and a festive snapshot or two for Christmas. Margaret holds on to each little scrap lovingly, thumbing through them whenever shes feeling particularly motherly.
We do miss you terribly, darling. Any chance you could pop back for a visit? At the very least, wed love to meet our grandchildren and your lovely wife, she writes in her careful script.
The middle daughter, Emily, is married to a fellow in the Army. Theyre constantly moving house, dragging their own little girl along on their travels. Sometimes they stop in for a visit. Margarets husband, Charles, always has something nice to say about his son-in-law: at least their Emily picked a decent chap.
Then theres the youngest, Alice, who cant seem to catch a break romantically. She got married, had a son, and then her husband packed up and disappeared. Taking Margarets advice, Alice moved to London with her boy to find a better life. She got herself a job as a seamstress at a garment factory. Not glamorous, but honest work.
One day, Margaret decides its high time for a visit.
Will you manage without me for a week? she asks Charles. I think Ill drop in on Alice and see how theyre getting on.
Charles sees her off at the coach station. He really isnt looking forward to wrestling with the laundry but agrees its good for Margaret to get out. So off she goeshours and hours rattling along in a second-class train carriage, with the unappetising sandwich and a lukewarm cup of tea for company. Still, shes excited about seeing Alice; after all, its been three years since their last face-to-face.
Why didnt you ring ahead, Mum? Alice huffs over the phone when Margaret arrives. Im at work right now. I wont be able to fetch you from Victoria until the evening.
I just thought Id surprise you, love! Margaret laughs. Are you sure I can wait at the station all that time? Yeah, its fine, Alice says, distracted. Margaret waits for a bit, then marches off on her own, suitcase in tow.
At Alices flat, shes greeted at the door by her grandson. Hes tall, broad-shoulderedthe spitting image of his grandad in the old wedding photos.
Hello there, my boy! Margaret hugs him tightly. Alright, thats enough, Gran! he protests, wriggling away. Then, giving her the once-over, he grumbles, Why didnt you come earlier? Had to rush about, tidy the place, and set the table for your arrival. I even left work early to rustle up some stew and fry the pork chops.
Charles rings at just that moment, and Margaret assures her bored-sounding husband shes arrived safely and that Alice has everything under control. Were just having dinner now, she fibs, as if the flat is positively humming with togetherness.
Over the sound of dishes clattering, Alice ponders aloud, Are you having one or two pork chops, Mum? Margaret, exhausted and starving, could honestly eat four, but she feigns restraint. Oh, just serve them up and Ill see how I get on.
Eventually, a plate with five somewhat lonesome pork chops lands in front of them. So much for the grand family banquet shed imagined. Margaret decides they must be strapped for cash and quietly resolves to slip a few twenties into Alices coat pocket before she leaves. During dinner, Alice asks when Margarets heading homenot exactly subtle. Stung, Margaret says shes happy to go tomorrow if shes a bother.
The next day, Margaret spends the entire day solo. In the evening, everyone holes up in their own rooms, doing their own things. Grandson pops off to see the neighbours; Alice disappears out with some friends. Margaret is left to keep herself company.
Soon enough, Margaret figures out no one here is actually fussed about her being around. She begins to pack her bags. Overhearing her grandson ask, Mum, whens Uncle Harry coming? We were going to the football, and Alice replying, When Gran leaves, is the final straw.
Without saying goodbye, Margaret heads for the door. Charles, whos dearly missed herall those burnt beans!greets her with open arms. Turns out, even after a lifetime of warmth and worry given to their children, parents can become an afterthought once those children are grown. Ah, well. No one said family life was like an episode of the Great British Bake Off.
