Early spring
Little Blythe, a fouryearold lass, was eyeing the new face that had just taken a seat on the park bench opposite their cottage. It was a silverhaired pensioner, leaning on a sturdy walking stick that reminded her of a wizards staff.
Granddad, are you a wizard? she asked.
On hearing a firm no, her brow furrowed a little.
Then why the staff? she pressed on.
It helps me walk a bit easier, replied Arthur Whitcombe, introducing himself with a polite nod.
So youre very old, then? Blythe queried again.
In your eyes perhaps, but not quite yet in mine, he chuckled. My leg is still sore after a recent fracturehad a nasty tumbleso Im making do with this stick for now.
At that moment Blythes grandmother, Martha Whitcombe, appeared. Taking Blythes hand, she led her toward the garden. Martha greeted the newcomer with a warm smile; the gentleman returned it. Yet the real bond that day formed not with Martha but with Blythe. While waiting for her grandmother, Blythe would slip out of the house a little early and report all the days news to her new neighbour: the weather, what Martha had cooked for lunch, and the ailment that had befallen her playmate the week before.
Arthur never failed to offer the little girl a fine chocolate sweet. Each time Blythe thanked him, unwrapped the treat, bit off exactly half, and tucked the other half neatly into the pocket of her coat.
Why not eat the whole thing? Not to your liking? Arthur inquired.
Its delicious, but I must share it with Grandmam, Blythe replied.
Touched, the pensioner returned the next visit with two sweets. Blythe, as ever, took a halfbite and stowed the rest away.
So who are you saving them for now? Arthur asked, amused by the childs thrift.
Perhaps Mum and Dad. They can buy their own, but theyre always pleased with a little surprise, Blythe explained.
Ah, I see. You have a very closeknit family, Arthur guessed. Youre lucky, child, and you have a kind heart.
And my grandmother too, for she loves everyone dearly Blythe began, but Martha was already at the doorway, extending a hand to her granddaughter.
By the way, Arthur, thank you for the treats. But we shouldnt have too many sweets, you see, Martha said gently.
What then shall I bring? Im at a loss, he protested. What would be suitable?
We have plenty at home, dearno need for anything, Martha smiled.
No, I must at least offer something. Im trying to be a good neighbour, Arthur replied earnestly.
Then lets switch to nuts. Well eat them at home, cleanhanded. Agreed? Martha suggested, turning to both.
Blythe and Arthur nodded. Soon Martha discovered a few walnuts and hazelnuts in Blythes pockets.
Oh, my little squirrel, carrying nuts! You know those are a real treat these days, and old Arthur needs his medicine, see how he limps? Martha chuckled.
Hes not that old, nor that frail. His leg is healing, Blythe defended him. He even hopes to be on skis again before winter ends.
Skis, you say? Martha raised an eyebrow. Well, thats ambitious.
Could you buy me a pair of skis, please? Blythe asked. Then Arthur could teach me.
Later, while strolling in the park, Martha saw Arthur now marching along the pathway without his stick.
Granddad, Ill keep up with you! Blythe called, matching his brisk step.
Hold on, well catch you, Martha called after them.
The three began walking together, and soon Martha found the rhythm enjoyable, while Blythe turned each outing into a lively game. Her energy seemed endless: she would dash, twirl, dance before the elders on the path, hop onto the bench to greet Martha with Arthur, then resume her command:
One, two, three, four! Keep it steady, eyes forward!
After their walk, Martha and Arthur would sit on the garden bench while Blythe played with her friends, always receiving a small handful of nuts from Arthur before parting.
Youre spoiling her, Martha whispered. Lets keep this tradition for special occasions only, please.
Arthur confided that he had been a widower for five years and had only just decided to split his threebedroom flat into a oneroom flat for himself and a tworoom flat for his sons family.
Im not much for crowds, but you need comrades, especially neighbours, he said.
Two days later, a knock sounded at Arthurs door. He opened it to find Blythe and Martha bearing a tray of freshly baked pies.
Wed like to share them with you, Martha announced.
Do you have a teapot? Blythe asked.
Of course, come in! Arthur opened the door wide.
Tea warmed the little gathering. Blythe examined Arthurs modest library and his collection of landscape prints, while Martha watched the delight on her granddaughters face as Arthur patiently explained each picture.
My grandchildren are far away now, all in university. I miss them, Arthur sighed. Your grandmother is still spry!
He handed Blythe a pencil and sketchbook.
I’ve only been retired two years, and theres little time for dullness, Martha said, glancing at her granddaughter. My daughter is expecting another child, too. How lucky we are to live in adjoining houses; it feels like one big family.
All summer the neighbours kept company, and by winter Martha, as promised, bought a pair of skis for Blythe. The three began training on the wellkept track that ran through their park each snowy season.
Arthur and Martha grew so close they seldom left each others side. Blythe, who didnt attend a formal nursery, spent most of her days with Martha, so the trio met daily. Yet one day Arthur had to travel to London to visit relatives.
Blythe missed him terribly and kept asking Martha when he would return.
Hes gone for a while. Said hed be in London for a month. Were looking after his flat while hes away, Martha explained. Martha and I have grown fond of his company, his smile, his steady cheer.
Arthur proved handy: tightening sockets, replacing a blown chandelier bulbsmall deeds that kept the household running smoothly.
A week passed, and both Martha and Blythe felt the absence keenly. They would stand by the empty bench where he usually waited, hoping hed appear sooner.
On the eighth day, Martha stepped out of the hall, hurrying to her granddaughter, when she saw Arthur sitting where he belonged.
Goodness, dear neighbour, youre back early! Martha exclaimed. Werent you to stay longer?
Ah, the capitals clamor grew tiresome. Everyones busy at work. Why should I wait alone for them? Ive missed you both as if you were my own kin, Arthur replied, smiling.
What did you bring for your grandchildren? Candy? Blythe asked.
The adults laughed.
No, dear sweets arent right for them now. Theyre grown, need money for their studies, Arthur admitted. A little cash will do.
Glad youre back, feeling whole again, Martha added.
Blythe embraced him, a gesture that moved him deeply.
We have plenty of pancakes today, with all sorts of fillings. Just as good as piessoft and light. Lets have tea, and you can tell us about London, Martha suggested.
Whats London? A grand capital, indeed. Ive brought you some treats, and more surprises yet Arthur took Marthas arm, and Blythes, as the first spring rain began to fall, an early thaw that caught everyone off guard.
Why is it so warm today? Arthur asked Martha, looking out at the mist.
Because spring is near! Blythe chimed. Soon comes Mothers Day, and Grandma will set a table and invite guestsincluding you, Granddad.
Oh, how I love you both, my dear neighbours, Arthur said, climbing the stairs.
After the pancakes, small gifts were exchanged: Blythe received a bright wooden nesting doll, and Martha a silver brooch. The trio stepped back onto their familiar footpath in the park, the one Arthur liked to call the welltrodden route. Snow, now a grey sponge soaking the ground, left the pathways bare. Blythe leapt over the drying slabs, delighted by the lingering warm air.
Grandma, Granddad, catch me! One, two, three, four! Keep it steady, eyes forward!
