The Truth That Gripped My Heart While hanging freshly washed laundry on the garden line, Tanya heard quiet sobs and peeked over the fence. There, sitting by her fence, was little Sophie–her eight-year-old neighbour. Though already in her second year of school, the petite, fragile girl looked more like a six-year-old. “Sophie, are they picking on you again? Come with me,” Tanya moved aside the loose plank, always ready for her, knowing Sophie often ran for comfort. “Mum kicked me out—said, ‘Get lost,’ then shoved me outside. She and Uncle Colin are having fun in there,” explained Sophie between teary sniffs. “Alright, let’s go inside. Lizzie and Mike are having lunch, I’ll get you some too.” Tanya had rescued Sophie from her mother’s harsh hands many times. Living just over the fence was a blessing; she’d take Sophie in, never letting her return home until Anna, her mother, calmed down. Sophie longed for the warmth she saw next door, where Lizzie and Mike were cherished by Auntie Tanya and her husband—never scolded, never afraid. Their house was always calm, their parents’ love obvious. Sophie’s envy stung her inside, a heavy ache in her chest–she cherished every minute in the gentle home. In her own house, everything was forbidden to Sophie. Her mother made her fetch water, muck out the shed, weed the gardens, mop the floors. Anna raised her daughter alone, and hadn’t loved her from the start. Sophie’s grandmother was alive then, but ill. She loved her granddaughter and took care of her, since Anna showed little interest. Life was tolerable while Grandma was alive, but after she died when Sophie was six, things grew bleak. Anna became bitter, furious at being without a husband (unlike other women), always searching for company. As a cleaner at the bus depot, she was surrounded by men. When newcomer Colin arrived, Anna was quick to invite him home. Colin was divorced, with a son for whom he paid support. Anna had him move in almost immediately, thrilled to have a man in the house. Colin knew he’d found a comfortable home–Anna fussed over him, loved him. The small daughter didn’t bother him at all: “Let her run underfoot, she’ll be of use when she grows.” Anna’s attentions were all for Colin; her daughter got only work and scolding, sometimes blows. “If you don’t listen, I’ll send you to foster care,” Anna threatened. Sophie struggled with the chores and would sit under the neighbours’ currant bush, quietly crying. Tanya always took her inside the moment she saw her. Sophie grew up withdrawn, battered by her home life. Friends and neighbours criticised Anna’s treatment of Sophie; in their village, everyone knew everyone else. Tanya never kept silent, but Anna spread gossip in response. “Don’t believe that nosy Tanya–she wants my Colin for herself. That’s why she makes up stories about how we treat my daughter!” Anna and Colin often celebrated with drink; during those raucous nights Sophie escaped and slept at Tanya’s house, who understood her suffering and always protected her. Time passed. Sophie did well at school, growing up. She finished her GCSEs with top marks, hoping to apply for nurse training in the city. Her mother was stern: “You’re old enough to work. You’re not staying here sponging off me.” Sophie fled, crying, since she wasn’t allowed to cry at home. Once composed, she went to Tanya, venting her hopes and worries. Tanya’s children were already studying in the city. This time, Tanya had had enough–she confronted Anna herself. “You’re not a mother, Anna, you’re a monster. Other parents do everything for their children, but you’re destroying yours. She’s your child, Anna! She’s nearly aced her GCSEs. Later, you’ll come crawling to her.” “Who are you to butt in? Mind your own!” Anna retorted, furious. “Wake up, Anna! Colin sent his son off to study, but you’re cruel to your own. Are you even human?” Anna raged, but then exhausted, collapsed on the sofa. “Maybe I’m strict. Maybe I hurt Sophie. But it’s for her own good—so she won’t end up like me, won’t come home pregnant. Let her try for college, then. Fine.” Sophie aced her nurse entrance with ease, overjoyed despite her modest clothes—she stood out in her class, but didn’t mind; there were other country girls, too. She visited home rarely, not wanting to see her mother or stepfather. During holidays, her first stop was always Tanya’s. Tanya and her husband welcomed her at the table, eager to hear her news. Meanwhile Anna’s troubles spiralled—Colin had left her for a younger woman. Anna was anxious, bitter; Sophie returned for the holidays. Anna snapped, “What are you doing here, just loafing around? You should get a job!” Colin came home, gathered his things. “Where do you think you’re going?” Anna yelled. “Rita’s expecting my child. I won’t abandon my kid like you. That’s your daughter, but you treat her like she’s not yours. My child will grow up knowing love from both parents. Your Sophie’s never known a mother’s embrace. Mine will.” With that, he left. Anna was stunned, unable to scream or cry—Colin’s words were a devastating truth that silenced her completely, squeezing her empty inside. Sophie had overheard it all. She refused to comfort her mother, remembering every time she’d been hit and thrown out for disturbing Colin’s rest. He’d never defended her—just watched smugly. By her final year, Sophie was working at the hospital, self-sufficient. She stopped visiting home; Anna drank and had little money, sinking lower and lower. From a battered child, Sophie blossomed into a beautiful, caring young woman, respected by staff and patients alike. Some even praised Anna’s “good raising”—Sophie smiled silently, knowing all credit belonged to Tanya. Anna began bringing home drinking companions; Sophie, rarely visiting, was appalled at her mother’s state. Anna no longer worked, having been dismissed long ago. Sophie had no words to convince, no strength to argue. Hoping for some change, she only wished to evict the rowdy friends, renovate the house, and start anew with her mother—but Anna had chosen her path. On graduation, Sophie returned home. Anna glared at her. “What are you here for? Are you staying long? The fridge is off and there’s no food. Give me money, my head hurts.” A lump formed in Sophie’s throat, but she didn’t cry. Calmly, she replied, “I’m not staying, don’t worry… I finished college with distinction, moving to the city for work at a regional hospital. I won’t visit often, but I’ll send a little money. Goodbye, Mum.” It’s unlikely Anna understood a word–her only concern was for drink, demanding money from her daughter. “Give me money! Don’t you care about your mother? What kind of daughter are you…” Sophie set some cash on the table and gently closed the door behind her, pausing in vain hope that her mum would rush out and embrace her. But there was just silence. She went next door. Tanya was delighted, invited her to the table. “Come on, Sophie, we’re just having lunch,” her husband already seated. “Oh, I nearly forgot—this is for you. A present for graduating with honours–and some money to help you get started.” Sophie thanked her, but broke down in tears. “Auntie Tanya, why? Why does Mum treat me like a stranger?” “Don’t cry, darling,” Tanya hugged her warmly, “Don’t cry. Anna’s just that way. Maybe you were born at the wrong time. But you’re clever, beautiful, and you’ll be happy and loved one day.” Sophie moved to the city, worked as a surgical nurse. She met her soulmate, a young surgeon named Oliver; soon they were married. At her wedding, Tanya sat beside Sophie instead of her mother, overjoyed for her. Anna bragged to drinking friends about the money Sophie sent–“I raised such a daughter, and now she’s grateful, sends me money. Only thing is, she never invited me to her wedding, never visits, and I’ve never met my son-in-law, or my grandchildren.” Some time later, Tanya discovered Anna at home, lying dead on the floor. No one knew how long she’d lain there; neighbours had noticed the silence. Sophie and her husband arranged Anna’s funeral, sold the house soon after, and continued to visit Tanya and her husband when they could.

The Painful Truth Inside

I was out in the garden, pegging wet laundry onto the washing line when I heard sobbing from the other side of the fence. Curious, I peered through a gap and saw Emily the eight-year-old girl next door. Although Emily was in Year Three, she still looked as though she could be six: tiny, skinny, brown hair plastered to her face.

Emily, did someone upset you again? Come on, pop around, I said, removing the loose fence panel so she could squeeze through she did this so often shed practically made a path.

Mums thrown me out again. She shouted get out and pushed me out the front door, Emily answered, dabbing her eyes. She and Uncle Colin are inside, having a laugh.

Alright, come in, love. Beth and Michael are having their tea you can eat with us, I offered.

Id rescued Emily plenty of times from her mothers harshness. Luckily, being neighbours made it easy for me to take her in until her mother, Claire, calmed down and cooled off.

Emily often watched Beth and Michael longingly. My wife Jane and I adored our own children, never raised our voices at them. Our home was always peaceful, and our relationship was warm and caring. Emily could feel that, and she envied the gentle atmosphere so much it made her chest ache, like a weight pressing down. She loved being with us, basking in the kindness.

At home, Emily was forbidden from most things. Her mother put her to work carrying water, cleaning the shed, weeding the vegetable patch, and washing floors. Claire had given birth to Emily out of wedlock and never really took to her from the start. Emilys nan, Claires mum, was still alive then but poorly; she was the one who loved her granddaughter and looked after Emily while Claire did nothing.

Life was better when Nan was there, but she passed when Emily turned six, and things became much tougher. Claire grew bitter about being on her own, always comparing herself to other women who had husbands. She worked as a cleaner at the local bus depot, surrounded by men. One day, a new driver arrived Colin and the two quickly struck up a relationship.

Colin was divorced, paid child support for a son, and happily moved in when Claire invited him. He was grateful for a roof over his head after his ex-wife had thrown him out. Claire fussed over Colin, doted on him, and gave him all her attention.

Colin quickly realised living with Claire suited him fine. Her daughter, he thought, was no trouble She can keep out of the way, and when shes older shell help out around the house.

So Claire lavished care on Colin but constantly berated Emily, made her do chores, cuffed her around the head or sometimes worse.

If you wont listen, Ill send you off to foster care, Claire threatened.

Emily struggled with cleaning the shed and got punished for it. Shed sit behind the currant bush by our fence and cry quietly. Whenever I saw her, Id bring her inside. She became a shy, withdrawn child.

Neighbours all knew Claire was unkind to her daughter village gossip travelled fast. I didnt keep quiet about it either, which prompted Claire to spread lies.

Dont believe that busybody Jane next door. Shes got her eye on my Colin, thats why she makes up lies about us.

Claire and Colin often hosted boozy gatherings. Whenever the house turned rowdy, Emily ran away and spent the night with us. Jane understood Emilys feelings like nobody else, and we both felt sorry for her.

Years passed. Emily worked hard at school and grew up quickly. After she finished Year Eleven, she dreamed of applying to nursing college in London. But her mother was adamant:

Youll get a job. Youre old enough now, cant sit around sponging off us, Claire scolded, and told her off for crying indoors.

After settling herself, Emily came to our house and confided in Jane. Both our children were already studying in the city. This time, Jane couldnt hold back and went round to confront Claire.

Claire, youre no mother youre cruel. Most parents do everything for their kids, but you treat yours harshly. You dont love her, yet she is your child! Its your duty, and having some basic decency is not too much to ask. Shes nearly a top student after finishing eleven years of school. Where dyou expect her to slave away? Thats your daughter! One day youll be crawling back to her.

And who are you to lecture me? Claire spat back. Keep your nose out mind your own children, not mine. Shes always running to you to complain.

Give it a rest. Colins own lad is studying in town, even if he doesnt live with him. But youre making your daughter miserable. Wake up are you a mother, or what?

Claire shouted, cursed, then collapsed in defeat on the sofa.

Yes, Im strict, I scold Emily, but its for her own good so she grows up different to me. I dont want her ending up like I did. Fine, let her go to the city and enrol, let her learn, she shrugged.

Emily enrolled easily into nursing college and was over the moon. She did feel self-conscious in her simple clothes, standing out in her group, but there were other girls from villages who didnt look flash either. She rarely visited home.

She dreaded going back to her mother and stepfather, but during holidays she had no choice. Her first stop was always our house Jane sat her down, fed her, listened to her stories. All of us welcomed her warmly.

Claire had new problems Colin had started seeing a younger woman. Claire was tense and often argued; Emily arrived home right in the middle of one of these rows. Her mother sneered:

What are you doing here? Not like I have time for you. Want to sponge off us for a bit? You should get a holiday job.

One evening, Colin came home and started packing.

And where do you think youre going? Youre not leaving! Claire shrieked. He looked at her with a smirk.

Rebeccas expecting my child, and Im not going to abandon her or my baby. Unlike you you dont care about your daughter. My kid will know both parents, live in love. You tossed your girl aside as if she turned up in a bin. Thats your problem. My child will have both mother and father from day one. And with that, he left.

Those words devastated Claire. For once, she was speechless. Colin spoke the raw truth, and it silenced her, left her hollow inside.

Emily heard everything but didnt try to comfort her mum. She remembered how, for the slightest noise when Colin rested, her mother would hit her and boot her outside. Colin never defended her, just watched with a smirk, playing king of the house.

In her final year, Emily found work at the hospital, supporting herself. She didnt visit home her mother drank heavily, looked haggard, and scraped by for cash. Emily transformed from a timid child to a capable, kind-hearted nurse. Colleagues admired her and praised her upbringing even credited her mother for it. Emily only smiled quietly.

My real upbringing came from Jane, she thought, its her I owe gratitude for the care, the protection, the encouragement, and introducing me to a career I love.

Claire started bringing strange drinking pals home, and although Emilys visits were rare, she was always shocked at the state of the place. Claire had lost her job ages ago. Emily knew words wouldnt help; she wished she could kick out all those friends, redecorate, rebuild some kind of relationship with her mum, forget old wounds. But Claire resisted everything, sinking lower.

She held back tears
After graduating, Emily returned home. Claire was alone, and glared angrily at her daughter.

What are you doing here? How long you staying? Theres nothing in the fridge, its switched off. Give me some money, my heads killing me.

A lump rose in Emilys throat but she held back tears, answering,

Dont worry, I wont stay long I finished college with honours, Im off to work in the county hospital. I wont be able to come back much, but Ill send you some money occasionally. So, goodbye, Mum.

Claire probably didnt even register what Emily said her only thought was for drink, and she begged for cash.

Give me money, my heads a mess. Dont you care about your mum? What sort of daughter are you

Emily took out some cash thirteen pounds fifty in notes and coins left it on the table and quietly closed the door behind her. She lingered, hoping her mother might run after her, offer a hug. But nothing. Slowly, she walked over to ours.

Jane was thrilled and sat Emily down.

Come along, Emily, join us for lunch. My husbands already at the table, she smiled.

Oh I nearly forgot, she said, producing a bag from the next room, This is for you a little present for passing with distinction, plus some money to help you get started.

Emily thanked her and burst into tears.

Aunt Jane, why is it this way? Why does my own mum treat me like Im nothing?

Dont cry, Emily, Jane hugged her, Dont cry. Theres nothing you could have done Claire is who she is. Maybe you were simply born at the wrong time. But youre clever and beautiful, youll be loved and happy.

Emily moved to the county town, worked in the surgical ward as a nurse, and soon met a young surgeon, Oliver, who fell for her at once. They married in no time, and at the wedding, Jane took the mothers seat at the table, glowing with happiness.

Claire continued getting money from her daughter and boasted to her drinking pals,

My daughter sends me cash shes grateful for everything I did! I educated her. But she didnt invite me to the wedding, never visits, and Ive never met the grandkids or son-in-law.

One day Jane found Claire, dead on the floor of her house. No one knew how long shed been there; the garden had been unusually quiet and prompted Jane to investigate. Emily and Oliver buried Claire, quickly sold the house, and only visited me occasionally, dropping in to share tea and laughter.