Emily, we cant go on like this… sighed Margaret into the receiver.
Whats happened now? asked her younger sister, sounding slightly uneasy.
Margaret rarely called; they usually exchanged quick messages online. But today, she had insisted on a proper phone call.
Mum cant live on her own anymore.
If you spoke to her a bit more often, youd know that, Margaret added reproachfully.
Oh, for heavens sake, dont start! Just tell me what Im supposed to be missing.
Margaret gave another weary sigh. Her younger sister always bristled at being told what to do, especially these past few years since shed insisted on her independence.
Ill remind you: Mums 73 now. Her blood pressures up and down, always feeling weak. Shes barely managing to cook for herself or keep the house tidy.
Margaret continued patiently, Half the time she cant even get to the shop for a loaf of bread. Thank goodness for Mrs. Parker next doorshe brings round something when she can.
Youre not saying Mums starving, are you? said Emily, alarmed.
Of course not! I drive down every fortnight with everything she needs, Margaret reassured her. But she simply cant get by without some regular help now. What if she slipped or broke something? With her weight and health, itd be quite a job to care for her alone.
The sisters fell silent.
Their mother, Susan, had always been rather plump, and with the years had grown heavier still. Despite her health issues, she loved good food and bristled at the mere suggestion of a diet from her daughters.
She gets dreadfully lonely too, added Margaret after a pause. She nearly cries when I leave, keeps saying everyones forgotten her. Its not fairon her or me.
So what are you actually suggesting? Emily replied, not hiding her exasperation.
Margaret hesitated; these conversations with Emily grew more fraught each year.
I think you should move in with her.
Well, thats just brilliant. And why cant you move in with her? Emily retorted.
Let me guess! Because youve got poor little Freddieyour golden husbandand his darling lad Ben, whos only what, 25, still a boy apparently, to look after. Is that it?
Oh come on, Emily, thats hardly fair.
No, whats not fair, Emily replied, voice rising, is you always taking charge, as though youre the only one who matters! You couldnt care less about me.
Margarets patience snapped too.
And who was there for you when Mum was running herself ragged between DadGod rest himand you and Maddie? Who travelled from the village with groceries, sat with Maddie so you, the cherished daughter, could work or simply have a lie-in? Wasnt it Mum? You never used to complain then, did you?
Emily paused. Her older sister was right. Thats exactly how things were when shed split with Maddies father, and her mother-in-lawbless herallowed Emily and her daughter to stay in the council flat till Maddie turned 18.
Not that her ex-mother-in-law was ever particularly fond of Maddie, and her ex-husband paid a pittance in maintenance. Emily had been on a hamster wheel just making ends meet. Her parents support was invaluable, but she hated being reminded of it now, as if shed be indebted forever.
When Maddie reached college age and moved to the city, Emily finally tried her luck in London, renting a cramped flat in Croydon and picking up jobs where she couldno easy feat after forty!
She was content enough; she certainly didnt fancy moving back to the countryside.
Youve never had to raise a child alone, have you? Emily lashed out. You try it, then come and judge me!
Now Margaret was the one who lapsed into silence.
Her own life had started promisinglyshe stayed in Oxford after university, got a solid job as a bookkeeper, and dreamt of a good marriage. But there were never the right men: some with a fondness for drink, others mummys boys, and still others wanting a free ride.
She only met Frederick at 39a widower three years her senior, with a ten-year-old son, Ben, in tow. Reliable, handy with anything from fixing a leaky tap to rewiring a socket, and quiet to the point of being gruff, hed won her over completely. He neither drank nor loafed, and after a year, they married.
Margaret never managed to have children of her own, but Ben and Frederick became her whole world. She wasnt about to risk that.
I wanted to bring Mum here, Margaret said, her voice hoarse from the memories. But she flat out refuses.
What? And your precious Freddie doesnt mind his mother-in-law in your two-bed flat? Emily joked darkly. Or did you just not bother telling him, assuming shed say no?
Emily, enough! Please, can we be serious for one minute?
Weve had enough of this, Emily muttered and abruptly hung up.
Margaret sat staring at her phone. It would have made so much senseif Emily moved in with their mother. Margaret could visit often, help out financially, drop off groceries as before. Emily could even find some remote work; oddly enough, the little village had reliable broadband.
But Emily was clearly not interested in making things easierfor Margaret, at least. Shed always had her own way, and at her age, no one could make her do otherwise.
The circus is over. Spoke to Mum. She says shes fine and doesnt want any help. Stop making a fuss! Emily messaged the next morning.
Margaret didnt reply. There was nothing left to argue; Emily called their mother maybe once a month and sent a few texts, which Mum answered cheerfully. She never complained to Emily nor wanted to upset her, worried her youngest might cut ties completely.
But Margaret never took offence, listening faithfully to her mothers woes at least once a week, then lying awake at night with worry.
Even Frederick, usually impervious to her moods, had started to ask if something was wrong.
She hadnt broached the subject with him; no point troubling him. Besides, hiring a carer looked impossiblefar too expensive.
That evening, Frederick set his tea mug down with a bang.
This has gone on long enough. Youve been distracted for months. Out with itwhats wrong?
Suddenly, Margaret felt tears spring to her eyes. She tried to compose herself quicklymen disliked tearsand gave a brief account of it all.
Why didnt you tell me things were bad with your mum? Frederick looked at her steadily.
I didnt want to worry you… she mumbled, eyes downcast.
For a moment, she wondered if shed been foolish to say anything. What did he need this trouble in his life for?
I see. Frederick stood. Thanks for supper. Im off to bed. He didnt even watch the news, as usual. What would happen now?
Margaret barely slept, and overslept the next morning, missing the alarm. She always timed breakfast for Frederick, even on weekends, and now shed failed at that too.
But her husband was calmly drinking his tea at the kitchen table, engrossed in his phone.
Morning, he said, face serious but voice calm.
Im so sorry! Ill get your tea
Sit downwe need to talk.
Margaret sank nervously onto a stool.
Ive been thinking, Frederick began. Your mother needs us. Theres no honour in leaving the elderly alone. My own mum never made it this far… Well move to the village. Ive looked into it alreadytheres work for me on the local farm, and youll find something too.
Margaret nearly slid off the stool in shock.
Are you sure, Fred?
Absolutely. Or have you forgotten how Susan took Ben in every summer, spoiled him rotten, and treated me like one of her own? I remember, Margaret, believe me. Besides, Ive always wanted a quieter life in the countrysideif your mums open to it, of course.
Margaret gaped at her husband. Shed never imagined such a response from Frederick. Was she dreaming?
But what about Ben?
Frederick grinned. Ben? Hes a grown man, University degree, good job. Hell be glad of the extra space. Honestly, its time.
Freddie! Margaret threw her arms around him, choking back tears, completely forgetting he wasnt the hugging type.
He patted her shoulders, Come on nowitll all work out.
And, for the first time in ages, Margaret truly believed it might. Sometimes, its in the small acts of kindness and unity that families find their strength and purpose. For all their differences, they learned that coming together for those who once cared for us is what truly matters.
