Ill Always Be With You, Mum A Story You Just Might Believe
Grandma Betty had been impatiently counting down the minutes until evening. Her neighbour across the landing, Eleanora single lady nudging fiftyhad told her something so utterly bonkers that Betty was struggling to keep her own head screwed on.
And to make it even more curious, Eleanor had invited her over in the evening, promising to show her something quite remarkable.
It all began with an everyday natter. Eleanor had popped in while on her way to the shops that morning:
Need anything, Mrs. Betty? Im off to Sainsburys for a bit of shopping. Fancy some cake, maybe a few bits and bobs.
Betty watched Eleanor fondly. You know, Eleanor, youre a good soulkind and thoughtful. I still remember you as a girl. Shame love never quite worked out for you. Still alone, you are. But you never seem gloomy, never whinge. Not like some do.
Whats to complain about? Eleanor grinned. Ive got a fellaa lovely one. Its just that, well, I cant live with him for now. Ill explain later. Truth told, wouldnt tell this to just anyone. But I trust you. Besides, if you let it slip, no oned believe you anyway! She laughed. So, what shall I pick up for you? Ill pop round after the shops for a cuppa and spill the beans. I think youll be happy for me, and youll stop feeling sorry.
Betty actually didnt need anything from the shops, but she couldnt resist and asked for a loaf and some nice biscuits to dunk in her tea.
Her curiosity was running wildwhat in the world did Eleanor want to confess?
Eleanor returned later, pastries and bread in hand, while Betty brewed a pot of what she called proper tea, settling in for a solid chat.
Betty, do you remember what happened to me about twenty years back? Eleanor began. I was nearly thirty then. Had a chap, plans to get married. He was goodeven if I didnt love him, it just felt like time to settle. After all, life without family and kids didnt seem very bright.
We did all the official things, and he moved in. I got pregnant. But, on my eighth month, I had a little girl. She lived just a couple of days. That broke me, truly broke me. We split upnot much left to hold us together then. A couple of months crawled by.
Gradually, I pulled myself together, stopped crying every night.
And then
Eleanor paused with a twinkle in her eye, watching Betty.
Well, you see, Id set up a cot for my daughter in the bedroom, Eleanor went on, her voice soft. Old wives tales say its bad luck to buy ahead, but I wasnt superstitious, so Id got everything ready. Made up her bed, put out her toys.
One night, I woke up to the sound of crying. Baby crying. I thought my mind was playing tricks on methat it was the grief. But the crying came again. I went to the cot, and therethere was a little girl lying there!
I picked her upnearly passed out from joy. She looked at me, closed her eyes, and fell asleep.
And after that, every nightmy girl would be with me.
Eleanors cheeks flushed with excitement.
Its incredible, Eleanor! Betty said, utterly entranced.
So it went on, Eleanor beamed. My girl lives in well, another place. Shes got a mum and dad over there, but she still visits me. Comes at night, almost every night.
One night, she even said to me:
Ill always be with you, Mum. Were connected by an invisible threadnothing can break it!
Sometimes I think it must all be a dream. But you know, she even brings me presents from over there. Only, they dont last longvanish like the last of the winter snow.
You dont say, Betty swallowed her tea quickly, her throat dry from such an extraordinary tale.
So, thats why I want you to come over, Betty, Eleanor said earnestly. I want you to see for yourself, and tell me Im not imagining it.
I believe my own eyesbut still
That evening, Betty shuffled across to Eleanors flat. They sat together, chatting in the cosy lounge, lights down low.
There was no one else in the flat, just Eleanor and Betty. The night wore on, and they nearly nodded off, when suddenlya gentle glow filled the room. The air shimmered, and there, right in the middle of the carpet, appeared a lovely young woman:
Hello, Mum! I had such a brilliant day, I had to share it with you! And heres a present. She placed a bunch of wildflowers on the table.
Oh, good evening! she said, spotting Betty, I forgotMum mentioned youd like to meet me. Im Millicent
After a bit, Millicent said her goodbyes and seemed towell, melt into thin air.
Betty sat there, absolutely gobsmacked, so stunned she couldnt even move or speak at first.
Well, Ill be Betty finally managed, it really does happen, doesnt it?
Your girls lovelyshe takes after you, Eleanor. Im really happy for you. Turns out youre luckier than mostmaybe even the luckiest!
My word, life is full of surprises. Never wouldve believed it if I hadnt seen it with my own two eyes. Its wonderful, all of it! Thank you, truly.
Youve opened my eyes, Eleanor. The worlds bigger than I thoughtlife goes on everywhere, and now well, Im not so afraid of what comes next.
Be happy, dear Eleanor!
As the conversation faded, so too did the flowersgrowing pale, then disappearing altogether.
But after shed seen Betty out, Eleanor sat back with a smile, content with her thoughts. Tomorrow was bound to be another brilliant day. Shed be seeing Edward, whom she adored. And he loved herEleanor knew it, felt it.
How? Well, some things just cant be explained.
And one day, shed introduce the two most important people in her lifeMillicent and Edward.
