So it happened that he was raised by his grandmother, though his mother was still alive.
So it came to pass that James was raised by his nan, even though his mum was very much alive. It must be said, his mother was wonderfulbeautiful and kind-hearted. But she worked as a singer at the Royal Albert Hall, so she was rarely home. Her constant travels even led to a divorce from her husband, the boys father. And so, James was cared for by his nan alone.
For as long as he could remember, whenever James returned to his block of flats, he would tilt his head up and, on the fourth floor, through the window, see the silhouette of his beloved nan, eagerly waiting for him. And whenever she saw him off somewhere, she would always wave from the windowand without fail, he would wave back.
But when James turned twenty-five, his nan passed away. Now, coming home and no longer seeing that familiar silhouette in the window, the young man felt an indescribable sadness, an emptiness. Even when his mum was home, James felt alone. They hadnt spoken properly in years, had nothing in common anymore. They didnt even discuss household matters, as if they were strangers.
A few months after his nans death, James suddenly decided to leave for another city. Besides, his skills were in high demandIT specialists were needed everywhere. Online, he found a good company that offered a generous salary and even promised to cover his rent. His mum was thrilled. After all, her son was grown now, and it was time for him to find his own way, far from home.
From the house, he took only his nans favourite mug as a keepsake and a few clothes to start with. As he stepped out with his rucksack slung over his shoulder, James glanced one last time at the kitchen windowbut saw nothing. His mum didnt even come to wave goodbye. A cab quickly took him to the train station, and soon he was lying on the top bunk of a sleeper carriage.
The next morning, the train arrived right on schedule. James found the office where he was to work, checked in, and went to look at flats based on addresses hed found online earlier. Navigating the unfamiliar city with his phones GPS, he suddenly noticed a block of flats. It looked almost exactly like his own. All these post-war buildings were similar, but to James, this one felt different. Perhaps because the window frames were painted the same odd shade of turquoise.
Without meaning to, James strayed from his route and slowly approached the building. He just wanted to stand there for a moment, remember his nan. As he drew near, his eyes instinctively lifted to the window where his own kitchen should have beenand he froze. His head spun at the sight. On the fourth floor, behind the kitchen window, stood the silhouette of his nan. He recognised her instantly, and his heart nearly leaped from his chest.
James was a rational man and knew this couldnt be real. So he shut his eyes tight, turned away, and began to walk off. His mind told him it was just some other old woman at the windowbut his heart whispered, *Stop! Thats her!* And he listened to his heart. He stopped, turned back, and looked up again.
His nan was still there. James couldnt take it. With his rucksack still on his shoulder, he bolted toward the building, up to the fourth floor. And here, just like in his own home, the lock on the door was broken. He flew up the stairs like a bird and pressed the buzzer. The door was opened by a drowsy girl in a dressing gown, who blinked at the stranger in confusion and asked, irritated:
What dyou want?
Me? James faltered. II want my nan
Your nan? the girl echoed, baffled. Then she suddenly smiled and called into the flat, Mum! Someones here for you!
While her mother came, the girl studied this strange young man with curiosity. Jamess head was already spinning, and his heart felt like it might stop.
Who was asking for me? A woman in her fifties, also in a dressing gown, appeared in the doorway.
Mum, imagine, the girl grinned. He just called you nan.
Wait, James whispered. I wasnt calling for you Iin your window the kitchen My nan was standing there. I swear I saw her.
What, are you on something? the girl sneered. Theres no nan here! Its just me and my mum, got it?
Right, sorry I mustve Im confused The room swam before Jamess eyes. He took a step back, set his rucksack down, and braced himself against the wall to keep from falling. Sorry Ill just stand here a sec and go
The girl started to shut the door, but her mother stopped her.
Hey, lad, the woman said, concerned, how are you feeling?
Fine he lied weakly. Dont worry
You dont look fine. Your face is red as a beet. Cmere. She stepped into the hall, took his arm, and gently led him inside, barking orders at her daughter: Emily, grab his bag, bring it in! And fetch the blood pressure monitor! Quick!
The girl, wide-eyed, scrambled to obey.
The woman sat James down on the hallway sofa and, without a word, took his blood pressure. Then she turned to her daughter again.
Get my bag. Ive got injections in there She glanced back at James. Just to be safe, Ill give you something, then well call an ambulance.
No ambulance! he gasped. I just got off the train Ive nowhere to stay yet I havent even rented a flat
Listen to my mum! Emily cut in. Shes a doctor, understand?
So youre not from around here? the woman asked.
James just nodded weakly. Then he repeated, Please, dont call anyone I start work tomorrow. First day. I just got the job
Hush! She was already administering the injection. Had episodes like this before?
No, he murmured.
How old are you?
Twenty-five.
Any heart problems?
I swear, Im perfectly healthy
Healthy, eh? Then whys your blood pressure through the roof? One-eighty over a hundreds no joke.
Maybe from the shock.
What shock?
I told youI saw my nan in your window. She was standing there, in the kitchen, looking right at me.
Your nan?
Yes. But shes dead. Two months ago. Are you sure theres no elderly woman living here?
Youre a strange one, Emily chuckled. I told you, its just me and Mum. But if itll calm you down, Ill check the kitchen myself.
She marched off and, moments later, shrieked:
Mum! What *is* this?! She reappeared in the hall, holding a mug James had never seen before. Where did *this* come from?! Weve never owned a mug like this!
James gave a faint, bewildered smile. Thats my nans mug. I But it It was supposed to be in my bag. I took it from home as a keepsake. Some kind of weird magic.
Where *is* your bag? Mother and daughter stared at him, baffled.
What dyou mean? Its right He gestured weakly toward his rucksack by the door. The mug should be in there
The three of them emptied the bagbut the second mug was nowhere to be found.
To this day, the incident remains unexplained. Especially for Emilys mum. Because two months later, she became Jamess mother-in-law. Truly, some kind of mystery
