Ah, my boys finally home! Agnes beamed as she heard the front door thump. David shuffled his flat cap at the doorstep and called out, Hey, Mum! Im not coming alone. He nudged a lanky lad in glasses, a backpack slung over his shoulders, forward.
Goodness, what a surprise! Whos that little fellow? Is he Sam or Jack? I cant tell without his glasses, Agnes murmured, watching the boy stare wideeyed at the kitchen.
David plopped down on a chair. Put that on, love. This is Tommy, my son from an affair. Remember, Emily and I took a year apart? I got together with Lucy then, and Tommy was the result. I even put my name on his birth certificate by mistake, he sighed.
Agnes snapped at him, What are you babbling about in front of a child? Hes too little to know about your messy past. Tommy, why dont you go watch the telly while I sort things out with your dad?
The boy slipped out silently, heading toward the spare room. Agnes leaned in, whispering, Does Emily know about him?
She rolled her eyes. She never liked our sons wife, always a troublemaker.
David shivered. What are you saying, Mum? If shed found out shed have chased us out long ago. I feel sorry for youI built him from the ground up myself.
Agnes exhaled, You really are a hopeless one, arent you? Not a proper man, just a wobbling fool under Emilys heel all his life. How could you end up with a son on the side? And why bring him here? Emily will find out, and I wont get off that easy.
David, uneasy, tried to explain, Lucy, she was planning to marry this bloke from the south, but she jilted him after a month. Then she called me, saying I could take the kid wherever I wanted. I told her Id go mad if I let that happenmy wife would throw us both out. She threatened me, so I thought, let him stay with you for a month, then Ill come back for him. He didnt even meet her eyes.
Agnes shook her head. Youve been the same reckless kid you were as a lad. If anything goes wrong, Ill step in. Fine, where should you leave him? Hes not even our bloodare you sure hes yours?
David waved his hand. Hes mine, no doubt. Lucy isnt a saint either, but Ill be loyal.
Silence fell. Agnes sprang up. What am I doing sitting here? Lets at least give him something to eat.
David rose. Sorry, Mum, but Ive got to go. Emilys waiting at home. I told her I was heading into town for car parts. Feed Tommy, Ill be off.
Agnes hugged her bewildered son and whispered, Take care, my dear.
Tommy wolfed down his food without looking up.
Want a bit more? Agnes asked, noticing how fast he finished.
No, thanks, he replied, getting up from the table.
Go out for a walk while I finish dinner. Whats in that backpack? she asked.
Stuff, he muttered.
Will you do your own laundry or should I help?
He stared at her, frightened. I cant. Mum always did the washing.
Agnes lifted his small rucksack. Alright, Ill rinse it and sort out the dirty bits. She pulled out two tshirts, a pair of shorts and some underwear.
Not much, she chuckled, and no warm sweater. Typical mothers lot. She dropped the clothes into a basin and turned to bake a cherry tart.
A shout came from outside. Agnes dropped everything, wiping flour from her hands.
Whats happening?
Tommy was squealing, clutching his leg. A goose pecked me! It hurts!
She looked at the red mark on his shin. Why were you near the geese? Theyre out in the field, not in the courtyard.
I just wanted to watch them, he sniffed.
Youve never seen geese before? she asked, surprised.
Ive seen them, just never got close.
Alright, lets get you inside and put some ointment on that. She guided him back, laid him on the sofa after dinner, and lay awake thinking how strange life had become. Shed never have sent her own little Mark to some strangers house.
Later, a soft whimper came from the room. She tiptoed over. Whats wrong, love? Dont like it here?
Tommys eyes darted up. Theyre going to take me to a boarding school when Uncle Victor and Aunt Kate come. I heard them saying Ill be handed over to some institution, only visited at holidays. I dont want that. I liked staying with you and mum. Uncle Victor never calls me by name. Grandma, youre kind, but Im not needed.
Agnes felt a pang in her chest. She pulled him into a hug. Dont cry, Tommy. I wont let anyone hurt you. Should I talk to your mum and keep you here? We have a good school nearby, teachers who care. Well go mushroom picking, berry picking, milk our cow. Youre tiny now, but a good drink of fresh milk will make you strong. Dont believe me? Tomorrow Ill introduce you to Paul, a solid lad as sturdy as a bun. Want to meet him?
Tommy clutched her neck. I want to. Will you keep your promise?
She kissed his forehead gently. Of course I will.
Years later, Valerie would pop in now and then, bringing little presents, always rushing out again because Victor was waiting. David appeared occasionally, but rarely. Emily eventually learned about Tommy and blamed Agnes, saying the grandchildren werent needed, only the occasional stray.
Agnes didnt mind. The skinny boy grew into a sturdy young man. Every morning shed set out his favourite breakfast and peek out the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of him.
One day a young soldier in uniform slipped into the house and called, Gran, Im here, where are you?
She bolted from the kitchen, wrapped her arms around his neck. Tommy, my dear grandson!
Are you going back to Mom? she asked. He set his fork down, puzzled. Which one? The one who abandoned me and only brings trinkets once a year? No, I wont go. Youre my mum, thats settled, and Im staying. He smiled and kept eating.
Agnes wiped a tear from her eye, grateful for the grandson who had become her greatest comfort in her later years.
