The boy woke to the sound of his mother groaning.
He got up and went over to her bed.
Mum, are you in pain?
Oliver, darling, fetch me some water, will you?
Of course, he said, hurrying to the kitchen.
A minute later he returned with a full mug.
Here you are, Mum. Drink this.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
Love, unlock the door! I expect its Granny Jane.
A neighbour came in, holding a large mug in her hand.
How are you feeling, Emily? she asked, gently touching her forehead. Youve got a fever. Here, I brought you some warm milk with butter.
Ive already had my medicine, Emily replied weakly.
You need to go to the hospital. You need proper treatment, and you cant just live off air. Your fridge is empty.
Aunt Jane, Ive spent all my money on medicine, tears pooled in Emilys eyes. Nothing seems to work.
Just go to hospital.
But wholl look after Oliver if I do?
And wholl look after him if you dont make it? Jane ran her hand over Emilys hair. Youre not even thirty. No husband, always short on money
Aunt Jane, what do I do?
Ill ring for the doctor, said the neighbour, pulling out her mobile.
She got through and found out what she needed.
They said a doctor will come round today. When they arrive, send Oliver to fetch me.
She left the hallway, the boy following her out.
Granny Jane, will Mum die?
I dont know, love. Youd better ask God to help her. Your mum doesnt believe in Him, though.
Will Granddad God help us? There was hope in Olivers eyes.
You should go to church. Light a candle. Say a prayer. That always helps. Right, Im off now.
***
Oliver went back to his mother, his face thoughtful.
You must be hungry, Oliver. Weve nothing left in the house. Bring two glasses.
When he returned, Emily poured milk into them.
Drink!
He drank, but the hunger only grew worse. Emily could tell at once. With effort, she rose, took her purse from the table and handed him a £1 coin.
Heres a pound, love. Pop over to the bakery and get yourself two buns to eat on the way back. Ill make us something while youre gone. Off you go!
She saw him to the door, then, leaning against the wall, shuffled to the kitchen. There were cheap tins of fish in the fridge, a bit of margarine, a couple of potatoes and an onion on the windowsill.
Ill make some soup
Feeling dizzy, she slumped onto a stool.
Whats happening? I feel so weak. The summers half over and all my moneys gone. If I cant go back to work, how will I get Oliver ready for school? He starts Year One next month. Theres no family left to help us. And this wretched illness I should have gone to the doctor straight off. Now, if they send me to hospital, how will Oliver manage alone?
With great effort, she began peeling the potatoes.
***
Olivers belly ached with hunger, but his thoughts were elsewhere.
Mum was in bed all day yesterday. What if she really does die? Aunt Jane said Granddad God could help her He stopped in the street, hesitated, then turned and started walking towards the church.
***
For six months Ive been back from the war. I survived by some miracle. At least I can walk again, albeit with this cane. I hardly notice the scars any more. Whod want to marry a man with scars like mine? William mused as he made his way to the church. I have to light candles for my lads. Its a year today since they were killed. I made it out I still cant quite believe it.
He had joined the army twenty years ago. Now he was a civilian, but the loneliness weighed on him. His army pension was enough to live comfortably, and his contract money sat untouched in the bank. But what was the point of it all, alone?
There were beggars outside the church. William took some twenty-pound notes from his wallet, handed them out, and asked, Would you pray for my late friends, David and Sam?
He stepped into the church, bought some candles, and lit them, murmuring the prayer the vicar had taught him:
Remember, O Lord our God
As he crossed himself, he could almost see his friends standing by his side.
When he finished, he simply stood in quiet remembrance of the difficult life hed led.
Nearby, a small, skinny boy stood, clutching a cheap candle, uncertain what to do next. An elderly woman approached.
Let me help you, dear.
She helped him light the candle and place it.
Here, cross yourself like this, she showed him. Now, speak to the Lord and tell Him why youre here.
Oliver gazed at the image before him, then said quietly, Please help, Granddad God. My mum is ill. Ive no one else. Please let her get better. She hasnt got any money for medicine, and soon Ill need things for school I havent even got a proper bag
William stood, caught by the boys simple plea. His own problems suddenly felt trivial. All he wanted was to shout, Why has no one helped this lad? Got his mum her medicine, bought him a schoolbag?
The boy simply gazed at the icon, waiting for a miracle.
Come on, lad, come with me! William said abruptly.
Where to? The boy stared nervously at the man with the battered face and the walking stick.
Well find out what medicine your mum needs and pop to the chemist.
Really? You mean it?
Granddad God said to answer your prayer.
Really? Olivers eyes shone as he looked back at the icon.
Come on then! William grinned. Whats your name?
Oliver.
Call me Uncle William.
***
Inside the flat, the neighbours voice was raised:
Shes written all those prescriptions, Emily. And the medicines so expensive. Ive only got a fiver left.
Oliver marched in, the adults falling silent. Jane peered anxiously into the hallway, spotting the stranger.
Mum, what medicine do you need? Uncle William and I are going to the chemists.
And who are you? asked Emily, astonished.
Dont worry, William assured her with a smile. Let me see your prescriptions.
But I only have five pounds left.
Oliver and I will sort something out. He placed a reassuring hand on Olivers shoulder.
Mum, pass the prescriptions!
Emily handed them over. Somehow she sensed the mans rough looks belied a kind heart.
Emily, are you mad? Jane fretted as the man and Oliver left. You dont know him at all!
I think hes a good man, Aunt Jane.
Well, all right, Emily. Ill let you get on, then.
***
Emily sat and waited for her son, no longer thinking of her illness.
The door swung open. Oliver burst in, his face aglow.
Mum, we got your medicineand loads of treats for tea!
William followed and, just like the boy, was beaming, making his features seem far less intimidating.
Thank you so much, Emily said shyly. Come in, do.
William struggled with his shoes, clearly a bit on edge. He followed her into the kitchen.
Take a seat, said Emily.
He sat, awkwardly unsure what to do with his stick.
Let me put this here for you. Sorry, theres little in the house to offer you.
Mum, Uncle William and I bought everything! Oliver began unpacking food onto the table.
Oh, you shouldnt have! Emily exclaimed, noting mentally how much was nothing but sweets. She noticed the fancy tea as well. Ill put the kettle on.
She hurried to make tea. Somehow she felt the illness had recededor perhaps she just didnt want to seem frail in front of this man. Almost as though hed read her mind, William asked:
Emily, are you sure youre up to this? Youre dreadfully pale.
Its all right Ill just take my medicine. Thank you, truly.
***
They enjoyed fragrant tea and sweet things while Oliver animatedly chattered away. Every so often, their eyes met, and it was clear each of the three enjoyed sitting together at the same table. But, as with all good things, it was soon time to part.
Thank you so much! William rose and took his cane. Id better go look after yourself.
Truly, thank you, Emily rose as well. I dont know how to repay you.
He made for the hallway, with Emily and Oliver following behind.
Uncle William, will you come again?
Of course! When your mums better, well all go and get you a schoolbag.
***
William left; Emily cleared the table and washed up.
Watch some telly, love. Im going to have a little lie-down.
She lay downand soon fell deeply asleep.
***
Two weeks passed. Emilys illness had faded; the expensive medicine had worked. Shed even managed some work at the office; end-of-month was always frantic, so theyd called her back from holiday. She was gladshed be paid for these extra days, and with August started, her son had to be ready for school.
On Saturday, they woke as usual and had breakfast together.
Oliver, tidy up! Were going shopping to see what you need for school.
Did you get paid?
Not yet, but they should pay me by next week. Ive borrowed a tenner, so we can get something for dinner on the way back.
They were about to leave when the intercom rang.
Who is it? asked Emily.
Its William
He tried to say more, but Emilys hand was already buzzing open the front door.
Mum, whos here? called Oliver from the living room.
Uncle William! Emily couldnt hide her delight.
Hooray!
William entered as ever leaning on his cane, buthed changed. Smart trousers, a crisp shirt, and a sharp haircut.
Uncle William, Ive been waiting for you! Oliver ran to him.
I promised, didnt I? Hello, Emily.
Hello, William. The shift to first names surprisedand pleasedthem both.
Are you both ready? Lets go.
Where? Emily was still dazed.
Olivers starting school soon.
But, William, I
I promised Oliver, and I keep my promises!
***
Emily had always gravitated towards the cheapest items in any shop; she simply had no money, no relatives, no husband left. Unless you counted that lad from college who disappeared years ago.
But now, here was this man, looking at her son with delight, buying him everything for school without bothering about price, asking only for her opinion.
They came home, arms laden, in a taxi.
Emily dashed for the kitchen.
Emily, William stopped her, come onlets all go out for a walk together. Well have lunch somewhere nice.
Mum, come on! Oliver pleaded.
***
That night, Emily couldnt sleep. Images from the day kept flitting through her mindWilliams kind eyes, full of warmth. Her heart and head debated:
Hes rough-looking and lame, her mind insisted.
But hes generous, loving, the way he looks at me her heart replied.
Hes at least fifteen years older than you.
So what? He and my son, its like hes a father to him.
You could still find someone younger, handsome, fit.
I dont want handsome or young. I did that before. I need kind and dependable.
But you never dreamed of marrying someone like him
But now I do.
Your feelings change so fast, dont they?
Ive just met the one. I love him.
***
Their wedding was held in the same church where Oliver and William met three months before.
William and Emily stood before the altar; his cane was gone, and Oliver watched the icon hed spoken to that day, then whispered with all his heart:
Thank you, Granddad God!He felt a gentle warmth swell inside him, as if someone unseen had ruffled his hair in blessing.
As the bells rang and sunlight spilled through the stained glass, the three stepped out of the church togetherWilliam steadying Emily on one arm, Oliver clasping the other, his new schoolbag swinging at his side. For the first time in ages, Emily didnt worry about tomorrow. William laughed at Olivers jokes, Emily caught his hand, and the small family, bound by hope and kindness, walked straight into the golden afternoon.
From above, where the light shimmered through painted saints, it seemed Granddad God smiled, and sent a little peace to everyoneenough for a new beginning, enough to fill three grateful hearts.
