Gran, I need to ask you something. I really need some money.
A lot, actually.
My grandson stopped by one evening, practically pacing around the sitting room. You could tell he was nervous just by looking at him.
Normally, he would pop in once or twice a week if I needed anything from the shops, bins taken out, odd jobs done around the house. He even fixed the sofa last month said it would last a good few years yet. Always calm and confident, never in a flap. But today? He was jittering like a leaf.
Ive always worried a bit; you see so much in the news these days!
Harry, love, can I ask what you need the money for? And when you say a lot, how much do you mean? My heart was already starting to thump.
Harrys my eldest grandson. A good lad. Kind-hearted. Left school a year ago, working now and studying part-time. His parents havent had any trouble with him, really. But what on earth does he need so much for?
I can’t really tell you yet, Gran, but I promise Ill give it back. Just not all at once. Ill pay you back slowly.
You know I just have my pension, I wasnt sure what to do But how much do you need, Harry?
A thousand pounds.
Have you asked your mum and dad? I asked out of habit, though I already knew the answer. My son-in-law, Harrys dad, is strict as they come. He thinks boys should sort themselves out. Thats how they grow up. And not to get involved in what doesnt concern them.
They wont, Gran said Harry, confirming exactly what Id thought.
What if hes got mixed up in something? Maybe giving him money would make things worse? What if not helping him just leads to more trouble? I looked at Harry, searching his face.
Gran, I promise its nothing dodgy Harry rushed to assure me, catching my look Three months, Ill have it all back for you. I swear! Dont you trust me?
Maybe I should help him. Even if he never pays it back. Everyone ought to have at least one person in the world they know is on their side. He shouldnt ever lose faith in people. I only keep that money tucked away for a rainy day maybe this is the rainy day. He came to me for a reason, after all. No point worrying about my own funeral just yet. Besides, theyll get by, come what may. You have to take care of the living, trust your own. Thats more important.
They say if you lend money, be ready to say goodbye to it. Young people nowadays, you never really know whats going on inside. But then again, Harrys never let me down before.
Alright, Ill lend you the money. For three months, like you said. But wouldnt it be better if your parents knew?
Gran, you know I love you, and I always keep my word. But if you cant, never mind Ill try for a loan at the bank. Ive got a job now.
Next morning, I walked down to the bank, took out the money, and handed it over to Harry.
His whole face lit up. He kissed my cheek and grinned.
Thanks, Gran. Youre the best. Ill pay you back, I promise and he dashed off.
Afterwards, I sat in my kitchen with a cup of tea, thinking. How many times in my own life had I desperately needed a bit of help and someone came through? These days, everyones out for themselves. Its different now, not easy at all.
A week later, Harry popped by, the picture of happiness:
Gran, heres part of the money just got paid. Can I come round tomorrow with someone?
Of course, love. Ill bake your favourite poppy seed cake I smiled at him. Hopefully, tomorrow Ill get to the bottom of all this, see for myself that everythings alright with Harry.
He came the next evening, not alone. Next to him was a slim girl.
Gran, this is Katie Katie, this is my lovely gran, Mary Bennett.
Katie smiled sweetly:
Hello, Mrs Bennett, thank you ever so much!
Come in, dear, its lovely to meet you and honestly, I took to her straight away.
We sat down together, shared tea and cake.
Gran, I couldnt tell you before Katie was so anxious, her mum fell ill out of nowhere. She needed an operation, and there was no one else to help. Katies terribly superstitious and didnt want me telling anyone. But now her mums on the mend Harry squeezed Katies hand gently Isnt that right?
Thank you, truly, youre so kind, Katie said, her eyes a bit misty, turning away as she dabbed at them.
Here now, Katie, no tears said Harry, getting up. Gran, we best go, Ill walk Katie home, its late.
Alright, dears, goodnight, mind how you go. May everything turn out well, I smiled and waved them off as they disappeared down the path.
My grandson hes grown up, turned into a good man. Im glad I trusted him. It wasnt just about the money, you know. Were closer now.
Two months on, Harry paid back every last penny, and told me the full story:
You know, Gran, the doctor said it was just in time. If you hadnt helped, who knows what mightve happened. Thank you. I honestly didnt know what to do for Katie back then. Now I see therell always be someone to help when things get tough. Gran, Id do anything for you. Youre the best in the world!
I ruffled Harrys hair just like when he was a lad:
Off you go, then. And bring Katie around anytime, Ill be delighted!
We definitely will Harry gave me a hug before heading out.
I closed the door behind him, thinking back to what my own gran used to say:
You always help your own. Thats how it is here in England. If youre good to others, theyll be good to you. Never forget it.I put the kettle on, and as the steam curled into the quiet of my kitchen, I caught my reflection in the windowolder, a little faded, but smiling wider than I had in years. Funny, how one act of kindness can echo through a family, weaving us closer with threads no one else can see.
That Saturday, the house was alive again: laughter thumping up the stairs, new voices and old memories mixing as easily as sugar in tea. Harry and Katie came by with a bunch of yellow tulips and a promise to visit every weekend. Katies mother sent a handwritten thank you note with a dainty little plant”a bit of luck,” shed written.
Later, as the sun dipped behind our row of houses and the two of them waved from the gate, I felt itthe warm, unbreakable tug of family. Rainy days, bright days, it didnt matter; the circle held.
Sometimes, you lend more than moneyyou lend faith. And sometimes, if youre lucky, you get it back in love.
