I’ll always be with you, Mum. A story one might just believe
Granny Violet could hardly wait for evening to draw near. Her neighbour, Helena woman living alone, just past her middle yearshad told her something so strange, her head was still swirling.
And to prove her words, Helen had even invited her to drop by at dusk, saying shed show her something extraordinary.
It had all started with a simple chat that morning. Helen had popped in while heading to the shop:
Anything you need, Violet? Im off to the High StreetI fancy baking a tart, and Ive a list of bits and bobs to pick up.
Violet had smiledshed always liked Helen, thought her a good sort: warm, thoughtful, the sort you remembered as a rosy-cheeked girl running about the green. Shame it never worked out for you, Helenalways on your own. Still, you never have the look of someone lonely, nor one for complaintnot like some.
Helen laughed. Oh, theres no need for fuss, Violet. I have a man I care forits just that, for now, we cant be together. Why? Well, Ill tell you. Wouldnt tell a soul, but with youwell, if it gets out, I doubt anyone would believe it. She grinned. Now, tell me what you need, and once Im back with my shopping, you pour the tea and well have a natter. Youll see Ive got plenty to cheer about, and perhaps youll stop feeling sorry for me.
Truth be told, Violet hardly needed anything, but she asked for a loaf of bread and a little bag of sweets for her teaher curiosity was well and truly piqued.
Helen returned not long after, basket swinging with the bread and boiled sweets. Violet brewed a fragrant pot and settled in to listen.
Violet, you remember what happened to me, must be two decades back? I was nearly thirty then. Id met a decent manno sparks, not love as such, but I thought, better than being alone forever. We decided to marry. He moved in, we set things in motion. I found out I was expecting. Eighth month, a little daughter arriveslives but two days, then shes gone.
I thought Id drown in grief. My marriage ended after; there was nothing holding it together after that. A couple of months passed; I began to heal, wept less. And thenwell, thats when it started.
Helen paused, giving Violet a searching look.
Im not altogether sure how to say it. Id readied the nursery, you seea little cot, all sorts, believing none of that old wives nonsense about not buying ahead. But then, waking in the night, I heardwhat sounded like a baby crying. I figured it was just memories playing tricks. But the crying wouldnt stop. Finally, I went to the cotand there, lying in it, was a tiny girl!
I lifted her uphonestly, I could scarcely breathe for the joy. She looked up at me, closed her eyes, and drifted off to sleep.
And its gone on that way sincenight falls, and my little girl comes. I even bought her milk formula and a bottle, though she rarely took any. Shed cry, Id hold her; shed smile, shut her eyes, and rest.
Goodness, Helen, is that truly possible? Violet was all ears, barely tasting her tea for wonder.
Thats just it, I kept thinking it couldnt bebut there we are! Helen was flushed with feeling.
What happened after? Violets voice was thick with scepticism, but still she popped a sweet in her mouth and sipped.
It never stopped, Helen replied with a bright smile. My daughter lives in another world nowshe has a mother and father there, but she never forgets me. Nearly every night, she comes for a while.
Once, she even told me: Ill always be with you, Mummy. Were bound by a thread no-one can seeand it can never be broken.
Sometimes, I wonder if Im just dreaming. But she brings me gifts from her world. They never last here, thoughmelt away like spring frost.
Is that really so? Violet took another swallow, her throat dry with all shed heard.
Thats why I want you to come over. See for yourself, so I know Im not imagining it. I do believe with all my heart, but
Late that evening, Violet went to Helens cottage. They sat quietly, talking in the dusk. No one else was aboutjust the two of them, the shadows thickening. The thought of sleep crept in, when, all at once, a soft light appeared. The air shimmered, and in the middle of the room was a charming young woman.
Hello, Mum! The girl beamed. I had such a beautiful day, I wanted to share it with you! Herewith love. She set a bunch of fresh flowers on the table.
Oh, hello there! she noticed Violet. Mum did mention you wanted to meet me. Im Jessica
A moment later, Jessica bid them goodbye, vanishing as suddenly as shed come.
Violet sat mute, barely able to stir for shock. She finally managed:
Well, Helen, I see its truesuch things do happen.
And your daughtershes a beauty, the very image of you.
Im truly glad for you, Helen. It seems youre luckier than most. Lifes never quite what we expect, is it!
Whod have thoughtId never have believed a word, had I not seen it myself. Its a comfort, really.
Thank you, my dear.
Youve opened my eyeslife carries on beyond what we can see, and Im not so frightened of what comes next.
Bless you, dear Helen.
The flowers upon the table grew paler and paler, then faded away entirely.
Helen, seeing her neighbour off, smiled to herself. Tomorrow would bring another bright day. Shed see Arthur thenthe man she loved, and who loved her just as dearly.
How did she know?
Wellsome things cant be explained.
And, one day, she would introduce Arthur and Jessicaher dearest, most cherished loved onesto each other.
