Little Things of Life
Not heeding her parents advice, Emily married her beloved Samuel, a sincere and quiet young man. His grandmother, Sarah Granny Sarah, as hed called her since childhood had raised him. Samuels parents had died when he was only two, so there were no memories of them.
When Emily introduced Samuel to her parents, Mrs. Linda Barker was quite unimpressed, though she waited until hed left the house to speak her mind.
Emily, we didnt raise you for him, Linda said. Youre halfway through your university degree! What husband? What wedding? And I wont have Samuel as a son-in-law. He works at a garage a mechanic Honestly, if you go through with this, dont expect me to help.
Mum, Ill marry him regardless. You know me, Emily replied. Her father, as always, kept quiet, preferring to stay neutral between his wife and daughter. Besides, Im expecting a child
The wedding wasnt lavish, despite the Barkers comfort and means. Linda simply refused to celebrate in grand style. If only Emily had chosen her friends son, but Emily was stubborn as a mule.
Shell live in poverty with her mechanic, Linda grumbled to her husband. Shell come running home soon enough. Right now, its all romance and daydreaming. Shes even moved in with that grandmother of his! She said she didnt want me belittling Samuel, made that clear enough. And she doesnt seem pleased at all about the baby.
Emily grew up in a spacious flat in the city, used to comfort, used to a bit of spending money. She was her parents only child. Yet she left to live with Samuel and Granny Sarah in a small cottage settled in a village seven miles out.
Time passed, and Emily gave birth to a daughter. Granny Sarah helped, teaching the young mother everything, getting up herself for little Katie during the night. Emily returned to university, trying her best to juggle student life, motherhood, and being a good wife. But it was hardly smooth sailing; she found herself utterly exhausted. Every morning, shed rise with the dawn, dash to catch the bus into the city, then catch another for campus.
At days end, Emily came home worn-out. Granny Sarah and Katie would meet her at the gate, the little girl always longing for her mum. Samuel would arrive later, working late hours at the garage. Hed sweep up his daughter and spin her abouthe adored his girls. Emily longed to spend more time with him, but he came home on the last bus, usually hungry and tired.
Emilys dissertation was looming. More and more, she dreamt of returning to her parents comfortable flatjust think of the time saved on travel. But Linda Barker had taken offence. She neither called nor showed any interest in her granddaughter.
Samuel had an older brother, Anthony. Anthony had been married for years, lived with his wife and son in their own city flat, earned it himself, always away on long shifts. But his marriage was rockyhis wife, Marie, was never satisfied.
Anthony rang, Samuel announced to Granny Sarah and Emily. Hes left Marie; constant rows, renting now.
Dear me, Granny Sarah fretted. Bought his own place and left it.
Gran, Anthony did the right thing, Samuel defended. Left everything to his wife and son.
One evening, Emily shared her weariness with Samuel, the endless travel by two buses to university. She didnt outright say she wanted to move to her parents, having agreed to live independently with Samuel.
Im so tired, Emily sighed. The buses, the long rides, and all those stops I barely make it.
Samuel listened quietly, kissed her cheek.
Ive got an idea, but Ill tell you later, he said mysteriously. Its a surprise. Emily was too weary to press him.
A few days later, one evening, a car drew up outside their cottage.
Could it be my parents? Emily wondered, but the old, battered car was unfamiliar. Definitely not her parents.
She went outside and watched as Samuel climbed proudly out of the vehicle.
Well, how do you like our beauty?
You call this a beauty? Where did you find it?
I bought it, Samuel said. With the money wed set aside for a deposit on a flat
Emily stared at the car, feeling a pang. Those savings were for their new flat, but now theyd be staying in the village much longer.
Samuel lauded his purchase. I fixed it myself, it runs just fine! Come on, let me take you for a spin, he insisted, gently seating Emily. She just needs a bit of paint, and then you wont be chained to the buses. She cost little enough, compared to most.
Though the car ran well, Emily feared it would fall apart at any moment. But as they drove home, Granny Sarah and Katie waited by the gate. Samuel scooped Katie up and spun her, while Emily hurried inside, crossing the threshold only to burst into tears. So much had built up inside.
Emily, love, whats wrong? Granny Sarahs anxious voice came from behind. Whats happened?
He spent all our deposit money on that wreck! Wed dreamed of a flat and now
Now, now, dearest, Granny Sarah hugged her, youre the cleverest, loveliest girl. Youve just worn yourself out, thats all. These worries are trifles, the real treasure is in health, love and understanding. Money comes and goes.
Emily took in Granny Sarahs wise words and gradually calmed down. Then she felt rather ashamed for her outburst. She stepped out onto the porch, where Samuel sat. Their shaggy old dog was running about, Katie laughing as she tried to catch its tail. Emily quietly sat down beside her husband.
Why didnt you speak to me about it, Samuel? she whispered.
I wanted it to be a surprise Thought itd make you happy
Emily gazed at him, saw so much unspoken hurt in his eyes. She realised hed bought the car to ease her travels to university, to look after her. In his own way, hed tried to fix the problem shed complained about. He hadnt realised her hint was for something else altogether.
All right, Sam, the car it is. Emily relented, just promise youll ask me next time.
Agreed, her husband replied cheerfully. Im used to making my own decisions. Sorrynext time, well decide together.
Thats better. These are just little things in life, Emily echoed Granny Sarah. What matters is that were togetherand have a wonderful daughter.
Granny Sarah watched from the window, smiling to herself.
A family quarrel, their first. Therell be more like this, no doubt. Still, as long as they understand and love each other I never doubted theyd make up, the two lovebirds.
Samuel painted the car, Granny Sarah sewed new seat covers. There was no real cause for joythe car had seen better days. But soon after, Emily could sit next to Samuel in the front seat and ride into the city.
She never asked her parents for help.
Time passed. Katie grew, it was soon time for nursery; Granny Sarah was getting older and needed rest. Emily finished university and found work in the city. Samuel kept working late at the garage, doing his best. The question of housing in the city returnedthey still hadnt saved enough for a deposit. Emily refused to ask her parents; Linda Barker remained estranged from her daughter and granddaughter.
But help came unexpectedly, from where no one would have thought. One weekend, the dog burst into excited barking in the yard. Emily thought it was their neighbour, who often brought Katie milk.
Anthony! Samuel cried joyfully, spotting his older brother at the window, rushing outside. How are you, mate?
Hello, Sam, hello!
The brothers hugged tightlyboth visibly delighted to see each other. Katie peeked through the door, curious.
Theres my niece! Arent you lovely? Anthony exclaimed, Come here, Ive got a gift for you.
He unpacked a large bag and produced a giant bunny with long ears and a bow about its neck. Katie gleefully examined it before running off to show Granny Sarah.
Granny Sarah and Emily welcomed Anthony warmly.
Havent seen you in ages, Tony. How are things Samuel said youre renting now? Granny Sarah asked anxiously, pouring tea.
Alls well, Anthony said cheerfully. Marie and I split; shes found someone else, gone off somewhere near Newcastle. I pay my child support, dont worry. And here, Sam, Anthony pulled out a thick envelope, actually, this is for both of youa wedding gift from me. I missed your big day, was on shift back then.
Whats this? Samuel tensed.
Money
What for?
For your deposit on the flat! Anthony explained, passing the envelope to Samuel. Maries moved on, the flats free, I live there now. I was saving, couldnt take the place from my ex and son, so I just kept saving for another home. Consider it my gift.
Silence settled, and then laughter filled the room.
Thank you, Tony, thank you! Youve come just at the right time
Emily almost wept with happiness, Granny Sarah embraced her elder grandson. The brothers hugged, saying nothing; nothing needed saying.
By autumn, Samuel, Emily, and Katie moved into a two-bedroom flat in the city. Katie started nursery nearby, and school was close toothey bought the flat with her future in mind.
Samuel continued at the garage, and life proved the young familys strength. Granny Sarah was right: these are only little things in life. What really matters is love, happiness, and health.
Thank you for reading, for caring, and for your support. Wishing you luck and kindness.
