Anthea Robinson is walking through the rain, tears streaming down her cheeks and mingling with the raindrops.
At least its raining, she thinks. No one can tell Im crying.
She keeps telling herself, Its my own fault! Turned up unannounced, at the wrong time.
She walks and cries, the memories swirling in her mind. Suddenly she laughs, remembering that old joke about a son-in-law asking the mother-in-law, So, Mum, you dont even want a cup of tea?
Now she finds herself in that very position, the Mum from the joke.
She cries and laughs, laughs and cries.
When she gets home, she sheds her wet clothes, snuggles beneath a blanket. Now, she weeps openly. Theres no one around, just her, and her goldfish swimming lazy circles in a round glass bowl. No one else can hear her, not a soul!
Anthea was always an intriguing woman, often admired by men. But things didnt work out with Rupert, Nikolass father, her son. He was a heavy drinker. At first, she could tolerate it. Hed have a pint or two and fall asleep. But then, out of nowhere, he started getting jealous. Of everyone! The stranger who stopped her in the street for directions, the butcher in the market, the old man with a walking stick, even the neighbour next door.
One day, when Anthea gave the neighbour a friendly smile in greeting, Rupert just snapped.
He beat her. Beat her badly. He knew what he was doing. Went for her kidneys. All in front of the child.
Nikolas described it all, vivid details, to his grandparents. Antheas mother cried, Is this what I raised my daughter for? For some drunken wretch to batter her?
Her father just pulled on his coat and left the house. He didnt say a word. He found Rupert, now just the ex-son-in-law, and threw him headlong down the stairs from the fourth floor. Rupert broke his arm on the way down.
Antheas father shook his fist and warned, If I ever see you near my daughter again, Ill finish you off. Ill go to prison if I have to, but you will not ruin my Antheas life.
Rupert really did disappear forever after that. Anthea never remarried. She had a boy to raise. Who knows what sort of man she might end up with next?
Plenty of men tried to court her over the years, but she had no desire. One experience with Rupert was enough.
Anthea had no serious financial worries. She was a talented catering manager, working at a cosy local restaurant. She liked her life.
Shed been squirrelling away money, slowly saving up for a flat. But when she finally had enough, her Nikolas announced he was to be married. His bride, a wonderful girl with the charming English name of Florence.
So Anthea gave up her little council flat and bought the young couple a lovely new two-bedroom instead. Of course! Theyre a family; they need it more!
Now shes busy saving for a new car for them. Theyve been driving around in that ancient Ford for too long.
She hadnt planned to visit her son today. Its not like her to drop in uninvited. But she happened to be passing their house just as the skies opened and the downpour began. She didnt even have her umbrellanot that it wouldve helped; the rain is torrential. So she decided to pop in, shelter for a bit, gossip with Florence the way women do, maybe even share a nice cup of tea.
Florence opens the door, staring in surprise at her mother-in-law. She doesnt invite Anthea in, just stands coldly in the hallway and asks, Mrs. Robinson, was there something you needed?
Antheas thrown off guard and starts to stammer, apologising, Well The rain
The rains stopped now. Its not far; youll manage, Florence snaps, arms folded, gazing out the window.
Yes, yes, Anthea murmurs meekly, tears threatening again as she steps back out into the drizzle.
She walks and she cries. Then she finally falls asleep. In her dreams, the goldfish from the bowl grows enormous and silently moves its lipsbut Anthea can hear every word. The fish speaks!
Youre crying? Silly woman! Not even a cup of tea offered in the rain! And youre saving up for their car? Will you spend your whole life saving for them? Living just for them? Look at yourself! Youre clever, youre beautiful! Youve got money! So what if its meant for their car? They dont appreciate it. Go somewhere by the sea. Live for yourself, just a little!
Anthea wakes up and its already dark.
The goldfish swims in circles, mouthing words she can no longer understand. But she understands the most important thing: she mustnt sacrifice herself for people who dont value her. Not for entitled people who wont even offer a cup of tea or shelter her from the rain.
Anthea takes the money shed saved for a car for her son, and books herself a holiday by the seaside. She goes away, enjoys herself, returns tanned and radiant.
Her son and his wife know nothing. They only visit or call when they need somethingmoney or babysitting.
And Anthea starts welcoming attention from men again. Now theres someone speciala distinguished, charming gentleman, the director of her restaurant. Hed admired her for ages, but she was always too wrapped up in her son and daughter-in-law. Now things have changed. They go to work together, come home together. Life is altogether different.
A while later, Florence pops round.
Why dont you come visit us, Mrs. Robinson? Or call? Nikolas has found a car he likes, Florence hints.
Was there something else, Florence? Anthea asks with brisk politeness, arms folded.
Florence opens her mouth, ready to say something, but in that moment an interesting man appears in the doorway
Anthea darling, shall we have tea?
We shall! Anthea beams.
Invite your guest, the gentleman suggests warmly.
No, Florence is just leaving. And she doesnt drink tea! Isnt that right, Florence?
Anthea closes the door behind her daughter-in-law and, laughing, winks at the goldfish.
Thats more like it!The goldfish glimmers beneath its dome of water, turning once, twice, as if in satisfied approval. Anthea pours tea into delicate cups, her laughter filling the small kitchenwarm, hopeful, and finally free. Outside, the rain has faded, leaving a world washed clean.
As they sip, Anthea glances at the goldfish and grins, a spark in her eye. For the first time in years, she feels aliveher own person, not just someone’s mother, someones caretaker, someones afterthought. The promise of tomorrow shimmers before her, bright and unburdened.
A new story begins with every cup of tea, and Anthea is ready at last to savor her own.
