Father Leaves Family for Another Woman When Daughter Was Four
Annas father walked out on New Years Day when she was just four. On his way out, he muttered sorry to her before shutting the front door behind him. Her mother took it strangely well, as if it were just another inevitability in a long line of failed relationships. In their family, no woman ever seemed to make love last. But a few weeks later, one quiet evening, her mother swallowed every diazepam and paracetamol pill in the house and slipped into a sleep shed never wake from.
The next morning, Anna tried for ages to rouse her, shouting and shaking her. When that didnt work, she made herself a slapdash breakfast from whatever was in the fridge before trying again. Exhausted, she ended up curled against her mothers side, dozing off.
January days fly by, and dusk was already falling when Anna woke up. The cold had nudged her awake, so she tugged the blanket tighter and pressed closer to her motheronly to realise the unbearable chill was coming from her. Hot tears scorched her cheeks.
Then, the front door creaked open. Anna bolted like a whirlwindit was Aunt Emily, her mothers younger sister.
Annie, there you are! Wheres your mum? Ive been calling all daywhy isnt she answering? Im worried sick!
Anna clutched Emilys coat, dragging her forward, her small finger pointing desperately toward the bedroom. Her mouth moved, her face twisted with grief, tears and snot streamingbut no sound came out.
Emily had never had children, which was why her husband left after five years of marriage. Since shed never been a mother, she poured all her love into Anna, treating her like her own. So when tragedy struck, Emily handled the paperwork without hesitation, and Anna moved in with her. For three years, she gave her niece every bit of care she couldbut no therapy, no rehab, could bring Annas voice back.
That winter, the cold arrived with St. Swithins Day, blanketing everything in crisp, crunching snow. Anna and her friends spent the whole day sledging in Hyde Park, built an entire snowman family, rolled about, and made snow angels.
Time to go home. Your clothes are frozen stiff, and your gloves are little ice blocks. Come onwell stop at the supermarket for milk and pasta, Emily urged.
People bustled in and out, doors swinging open and shut, while a ginger cat sat perfectly still by the entrance. He looked wise, eyes half-lidded, as if he owned the placeonly his front paws twitched from the cold. Anna crouched beside him, then waved Emily off, signalling shed wait outside.
Fine, Ill be quick, but stay right here!
Anna stroked the cat gently. He arched his back in delight, purring like a motor. She hugged him, pressing her face into his furthen suddenly, hot tears spilled down her cheeks. The cat licked them away, sneezed, then licked again.
Ugh, thats disgusting! Hes a filthy stray!
Emily grabbed Annas hand, pulling her toward the car. Anna dug her heels in, but Emily bundled her into the backseat and slid behind the wheel.
The cat trotted after them, meowing pitifully at Anna through the window.
We cant leave him. Hes mine now, and Im abandoning him, Anna whispered, her tears streaking the glass.
Was that you? Say it againplease, say it again! Emilys voice shook.
We cant leave him! Hell die without me! Anna shouted, clear as day.
Emily leapt out, scooped up the cat, and plopped back into the seat beside Anna. The ginger tom, startled, dug his claws into her coatthen spotted Anna and promptly flopped into her lap, settling like hed always been there.
You wanted this cat? You only had to say! Id have got you one ages ago, Emily laughed, her eyes shining.
