Vera hurried home, struggling with heavy bags of shopping in her arms.
Her mind was occupied with thoughts of what to make for dinner, making sure her boys had enough to eat, and then helping the youngest with his homework.
From a distance, Vera spotted an ambulance parked outside her building. She felt a pang of worry and picked up her paceher husband had been unwell recently. Had things become so serious that someone had called an ambulance for him?
Are you going to flat fifteen? she asked the driver, anxiety making her voice shake.
No, its flat fourteen. Some old dears feeling poorly, he replied.
Vera felt a wave of relief. It wasnt their flat. It must be for her neighbour, Mrs. Nina Alexander. That was troubling too thoughNina lived alone and was nearly eighty.
Oh, Nina has her cat, doesnt she? If they take her to hospital, someone will need to look after it, Vera thought as she climbed to her floor.
Outside Ninas door there was a flurry of activity. The door stood wide open, there was a stretcher in the hall, and Veras husband, Alex, was helping a paramedic guide the elderly woman.
The drivers on his way up, well manage together, the paramedic said.
Ninas face brightened when she saw Vera. Vera dear, theyre taking me to hospital. Ill leave you a keyplease keep an eye on Poppy for me, would you? Her foods on the kitchen table, her litter trays already out. Dont mind cleaning it, just change it once a day. I do hope Ill be home by Christmas. Nina passed the key into Veras hand.
Of course, Ill look after your cat. Please focus on getting well, Vera said, gently covering Ninas hand with her own.
Lie down, you shouldnt be moving, scolded the paramedic. Theres our driverlets go.
Wait a moment, Nina said urgently. Vera, would you do one more thing for me? On the little table in the hallway, theres a slip of paper with a phone number. If anything happens to me, would you ring that number? Its my daughter, Susan. We havent spoken in years, had a massive falling out
Vera promised everything would be fine, and once Nina had been taken away, she pocketed the slip of paper, checked on Poppy the cat, and locked the door.
Can you believe it? Weve lived in the same building for years and I never knew Mrs. Alexander had a daughter, she told Alex when he returned.
Ive never seen anyone visit her, either, Alex replied. Are we eating tonight?
Vera gasped, then busied herself with her chores. When everything was done, the boys were off to bed, and the house was finally quiet, she remembered Ninas daughter and stared at the numbers on the scrap of paper.
She glanced at the clockit was much too late to call. Even if she reached Susan, they wouldnt let her see Nina at this hour.
The next day, while feeding Poppy in Ninas flat, Vera remembered Ninas request. The grateful cat leapt onto her lap, purring away, but Vera hesitatedshould she really ring Susan?
Eventually, she steeled herself and dialled.
Hello, Susan? she said when a woman answered. You dont know meIm your mothers neighbour. She was taken to hospital yesterday. I thought you should know, you might want to visit.
That woman? Susan snapped. She hasnt been a mother to me for years. I couldnt care less.
Dont be so heartless! Vera burst out. Leave those old grievances behind! Mrs. Alexander may never come home again would you really let your anger stop you seeing her one last time?
Thats none of your business! Susan snapped back.
I wish I could see my own mum, even for a minute. Id give half my life for it. When shes gone, youll understand what youve lost. I cared for my mother for six years when she was bedriddensometimes it nearly broke me, I wont lie. But if she were still here, even if it meant being her carer for ten more years, Id do it happily. Anything just to still have her.
Vera hung up, trembling with emotion.
Well, Poppy, she said to the cat. If Nina doesnt come back, I may have to take you in myself. Lets hope you and our Barney get along. I rang the hospital today, but Ninas still not improving
As Christmas drew near, Vera and Alex came back from the shops, Alex carrying an absolutely enormous Christmas tree.
Hold the door for us, would you? Vera called, as two women walked into the building ahead of them.
Hurry up, Alex! she urged.
Suddenly Vera glanced at the women and stopped short.
Oh, is it really you? she exclaimed. Mrs. Alexander, have they let you out?
Yes, I begged them! Im feeling so much better, and theyve let me come home for Christmas. Oh, and this is my daughter, Susan! Ninas face glowed with happiness.
Weve actually met already, Susan laughed. Though not in person!
They all walked up the stairs together. Susan gently supported her mother, then whispered to Vera, Thank you for opening my eyes. May I pop around later for a chat?
Of course, Vera replied, pleasantly surprised.
Half an hour later Susan appeared at the door with a cake in her arms. They sat down for tea, and Susan explained, Mum and I fell out over the silliest thing ten years agohonestly I cant even remember what. Shes a former teacher and spent my whole life trying to educate me. That day, shed tried to correct me about something, I got angry and said some stupid things
They were both too proud to apologise. For a year, they didnt talk at allafter that, only a quick call on birthdays and Christmas. I even told her Id rather not have a mother than listen to her constant lessons, Susan admitted sheepishly.
When you rang, Vera, and said she was in hospital, a part of me almost felt glad. But when you spoke about your mum, I was frightened. If my mother died thatd be my childhood gone forever. Who would I call Mum? Id be alone in the world
Susan said she spent two days thinking about Veras words, then, swallowing her pride, went to visit her mother in hospital.
You wouldnt believe itshe felt better almost straight away. Im never walking out on her again! Susan said warmly as she left to rejoin her mother.
What did you say to her? Alex asked, amazed, once Susan had gone.
I just told her the truth. Sometimes thats all it takes to help someone see clearly, Vera answered quietly. And, love, dont forget to ring your mum tonight. Or maybe we should spend Christmas with her this year? After all, weve only got one mum between the two of us now.
Sometimes, the truth and a little kindness can mend even the deepest rift, and remind us never to let pride stand in the way of family.
