Early spring
Little Poppy, a fouryearold, was eyeing the new face that had just appeared in their back garden. It was a silverhaired pensioner sitting on a bench, his cane clutched like a wizards wand.
Granddad, are you a wizard? she asked.
When he shook his head, she looked a bit disappointed.
So why the staff? she pressed on.
It helps me get around, makes walking easier, the old man said, introducing himself as George Whitaker.
Does that make you really old then? Poppy queried, curiosity bright in her eyes.
In your book, yesby my standards, not quite yet. Ive got a sore leg, broke it not long ago after a clumsy fall, so Im stuck with the stick for now.
Just then, Poppys grandmother, Eleanor Parker, came out, took her hand, and led her to the park. Eleanor smiled at the new neighbour, who returned the grin, but the real connection seemed to form with Poppy. Shed often slip out of the house a little early, waiting for her grandma, and use that spare time to fill George with the latest news: the weather, what her grandma had cooked for lunch, and what her friend had been feeling a week before.
George never missed a chance to slip a good chocolate sweet into Poppys pocket. Each time shed thank him, unwrap the candy, bite off exactly half, and tuck the other half neatly back into the wrapper before slipping it into her jacket pocket.
Why dont you eat the whole thing? Not tasty enough? George asked.
Its delicious, but I want to share it with Grandma, she replied.
Touched, George offered her two sweets the next time. Poppy again took a half, the rest hiding in her pocket.
So who are you saving them for now? George wondered, impressed by her thrift.
Maybe Mom and Dad. They can buy their own treats, but they love a surprise, she explained.
Got it. Sounds like youve got a happy family, George guessed. Youre lucky, Poppy, youve got a big heart.
And Grandmas too, because she loves everyone, Poppy started, but Eleanor was already stepping out of the lift and holding out her hand.
Thanks for the sweets, George, but both Grandchild and I shouldnt have too much sugar. Sorry, Eleanor said.
What should I do then? Im in a bind What would you like? he asked.
Nothing, really. We have plenty at home, Eleanor smiled.
No, I cant let that go. I want to treat you. Im trying to be a good neighbour, and Im not shy about it, George replied, grinning.
Then lets stick to nuts. Well eat them at home, clean hands, okay? Eleanor suggested to both.
Poppy and George both nodded. The next time, Eleanor found a few walnuts or hazelnuts tucked into Poppys pockets.
Oh, my little squirrel, youre carrying nuts. You know thats a bit of a luxury these days, and old George needs his meds, you see, hes a bit hobblish?
Hes not that old, nor hobblish. His legs getting better, Poppy defended him, and he wants to be on his skis again by winter.
Skis, now? Eleanor raised an eyebrow. Well, good on him.
Can you get me some skis, please? Poppy begged. Then George can teach me how to glide.
Soon Eleanor spotted George strolling down the park path, cane forgotten.
Granddad, Im keeping up with you! Poppy ran alongside him, marching with gusto.
Wait for us then, Eleanor called, hurrying after her granddaughter.
The three of them started walking together, and Eleanor soon enjoyed the rhythm. For Poppy it became a game; shed dash, twirl a little dance on the path, hop onto a bench to greet her grandmother and the neighbour, then charge ahead, shouting:
One, two, three, four! Step strong, look forward!
After their walk, George and Eleanor would sit on the garden bench while Poppy played with her friends, always snatching a few nuts from George before parting.
Youre spoiling her, Eleanor blushed. Lets keep the nutgiving to special occasions, please.
George confessed that hed been a widower for five years and was finally moving his threebedroom flat into a onebedroom flat for himself and a twobedroom flat for his sons family.
Im not the most social sort, but neighbours matter, especially for a bit of help here and there.
Two days later, there was a knock at Georges door. He opened it to find Poppy and Eleanor holding a tray of pies.
We wanted to treat you, Eleanor said cheerily.
Do you have a kettle? Poppy asked.
Of course, come on in! George flung the door wide.
With tea steaming, the house felt cosy. Poppy examined Georges bookshelf and his collection of paintings, while Eleanor watched the delight on her granddaughters face and the patience with which George explained each picture.
My grandkids are off at university now, far away. I miss them, George sighed, but your grandma still looks spry!
He handed Poppy a pencil and a sketchpad.
Ive only been retired two years, and theres no time to be bored, Eleanor said, glancing at Poppy, plus my daughter is expecting another baby. Lucky for us we live in the same block, so we can all help each other.
All summer the neighbours kept chatting, and by winter Eleanor, true to her word, bought Poppy a pair of skis. The three of them started training on the local parks groomed trail.
George and Eleanor grew so close that they now went out together almost every day. Poppy, who didnt attend nursery, spent most of her time with her grandmother, so the trio met daily. Then one day George had to travel to the capital, London, to visit family.
Poppy missed him terribly and kept asking when hed be back.
Hes gone for a while. Said hed be in London for about a month. Were looking after his flat while hes away, Eleanor explained. Eleanor and Poppy both missed his cheerful presence, his willingness to fix a loose socket or replace a burntout bulb.
A week passed and the empty bench where he usually waited seemed too quiet. On the eighth day, Eleanor stepped out of the lift, hurrying to Poppy, and saw George back on his usual spot.
Hello, dear neighbour! Eleanor gasped, We didnt expect you so soon! I thought youd stay longer.
Ah, the city noise got on my nerves. Everyones busy at work. Why wait around alone when I could be here with you lot? George chuckled, eyes twinkling. Ive missed you all like family.
Granddad, what did you give the grandkids? Chocolates? Poppy asked.
The adults laughed.
No, love. Chocolate isnt great for them now. Theyre grown, so I gave them a bit of cash insteadbetter for their studies.
Glad youre back, feels like the souls home again, Eleanor said with a smile.
Poppy hugged George, and he was visibly moved.
Weve got plenty of pancakes today, all sorts of fillings. Not worse than pies, nice and light. Come have tea, and you can tell us about London, Eleanor invited.
Whats London like? Beautiful city, full of things, George replied, taking Eleanors arm and Poppys hand as the first spring rain began to fall. The warm spell was early, unexpected.
Whys it so warm today? George asked, looking at Eleanor.
Because springs almost here! Poppy chirped. Soon comes International Womens Day, and Grandma will set a big table and invite guestsincluding you, Granddad.
Oh, I love you all, my dear neighbours, George said as he headed up the stairs.
After pancakes, little gifts were handed out: Poppy received a bright wooden nesting doll, and Eleanor a silver brooch. The trio set off again along their welltrodden park route. Snow had turned to slush, waterlogged paths, but Poppy hopped on the drying tiles, delighted by the fresh air.
Grandma, Granddad, catch me! One, two, three, four! Step strong, look ahead!
