The Long-Awaited Granddaughter Natalia Mitchell anxiously kept calling her son, who was away on another long haul at sea, but the signal remained stubbornly silent. “Oh, what a mess you’ve made, my boy!” she sighed fretfully, dialling his number again. No matter how many times she called, she knew she wouldn’t reach him until he docked at the nearest port—which might not happen for ages. And now, of all times! For a second sleepless night, Natalia Mitchell lay awake—her son’s actions playing over and over in her mind! * * * This whole story began years ago, back when Michael hadn’t even dreamt of a life at sea. Already a grown man, with nothing long-term ever sticking with any woman—none of them, apparently, ever quite measured up! With a heavy heart, Natalia watched one relationship after another fall apart, each time thinking the girls perfectly decent—if only her son could see it. “You’re impossible, you know that?” she’d scold. “Nobody’s ever good enough! Who’ll ever be able to meet all your impossible standards?” “Don’t understand what you’re complaining about, mum. You want a daughter-in-law—doesn’t matter to you what she’s like?” “Of course it matters! I just want her to love you, and be a decent person, that’s all!” He’d just fall silent at that, which maddened Natalia. How could the son she’d raised, the boy who once wept on her lap, now act as if he knew better than she did? Who was the grown-up here, after all? “What was wrong with Natalie?!” she’d blurt, frustrated. “I told you already.” “Well… perhaps Natalie wasn’t the best example,” Natalia would admit, but she wasn’t prepared to back down. “Maybe she wasn’t honest, as you say, but I still don’t quite see…” “Mum! I really don’t think it’s worth discussing the details. She just wasn’t the one.” “What about Katie?” “No, not Katie either,” her son would reply calmly. “And Jenna? She was a wonderful girl. Sweet, homely, a little shy—always offered to help around the house. You have to admit, she was good.” “You’re not wrong, mum. She was very kind. But in the end, it turned out she never loved me.” “And did you love her?” “I suppose not.” “And Daria?” “Mum!” “What, ‘Mum’? Honestly, you’re impossible to please! Just a ladies’ man, you! You could settle down, start a family, have kids, for goodness’ sake!” “Let’s just drop this pointless conversation!” Michael would snap, finally storming off. “Just like his father—so fussy and stubborn!” Natalia thought, exasperated. Time passed, and the women changed, but her cherished dream of celebrating her son’s happiness—and looking after grandchildren—never came true. Then Michael changed careers altogether. An old friend convinced him to work on ships, and Michael accepted. Natalia tried in vain to dissuade him. “Mum, what’s the problem? It’s a fantastic offer! Do you know how much the guys earn? We’ll both have everything we need!” “What good is money if you’re never here? I’d rather you started a family!” “But you have to support a family! And if there are kids, I won’t be able to go to sea anyway—I’ll need to be raising them, right? So I’ll work hard while I still can.” Michael really did earn well. After his first trip, he refurbished the flat. After the next, he opened a current account—and handed his mother a card. “This is so you never go without!” “I’m perfectly fine as is! I just don’t have grandchildren, and time’s getting on. I’m old!” “You’re not old! Don’t be silly. You’ve got years to go before retirement!” Michael teased. Natalia never touched the card, her own modest income from the local pharmacy being quite enough for her simple needs. “Let it sit there, as it should. Michael never checks it. Maybe he’ll notice one day what a thrifty mother he’s got!” she’d chuckle to herself. That’s how things went for years. When Michael returned from sea for short stays, he seemed to make up for lost time—meeting friends, going out, seeing women he no longer introduced. Once, when Natalia reproached him, she got the terse reply: “It’s so you don’t worry if I don’t marry them. I have no intention of marrying girls like that, mum!” It hurt, especially when he called her too trusting. “You’re too kind, mum! You hardly knew any of them. They all wanted to seem perfect to you—but really, they weren’t.” That comment stuck with Natalia for ages, for in a single stroke, her son had cast what she saw as a virtue—trust—as stupidity. He called her stupid, essentially! Yet, when she saw him with a pretty girl one evening, Natalia’s fierce desire to see her son settled flared up again. She marched over—Michael, a grown man, went bright red. But a mum’s a mum—he had to make introductions. Milena made a great impression: tall, slim, curly-haired, pleasant. Seeing her and Michael together, Natalia forgot all previous grievances. “Perhaps luck just hadn’t been on Michael’s side. Maybe it’s a good thing he didn’t settle before—otherwise he’d have missed out on such a lovely girl!” she thought, hopeful. Michael’s romance with Milena lasted his whole shore leave. At Natalia’s urging, Milena visited several times, and Natalia was delighted—charming, intelligent, witty. But as Michael prepared for another stint at sea, Milena disappeared. “We’re not in touch anymore, and you shouldn’t be either,” Michael said bluntly, and left. Natalia puzzled over what had happened, but no answers were forthcoming. * * * A year passed. Her son came home between trips but, questioned about Milena, would only answer curtly and coldly. “Oh, for goodness’ sake! What was her flaw, then? What was wrong with her?” Natalia asked at last. “Mum, that’s my business. If I ended things, there’s a reason. Please, stay out of it.” Natalia nearly burst into tears. “Oh Michael, I only worry about you!” “Don’t! I told you—don’t talk to Milena, and stop pestering me!” Soon, Michael was off to sea again, and Natalia, heartbroken, got on as usual. Then, one day while at the pharmacy, a young woman came in for baby food. It was Milena, looking bashful and adjusting the hat of a little girl in a stroller. “Milena, darling! I can’t tell you how glad I am to see you! Michael explained nothing—just left and told me not to ask about you!” Natalia blurted in relief. “Is that so?” Milena looked down sadly. “Well. So be it.” Natalia grew anxious. “Tell me, love, what happened? I know my son—he’s difficult. Did he hurt you?” “It’s all right… I’m not angry. But we’d best get going—more shopping to do.” “Do come see me! At least pop by the pharmacy. We could have a chat.” And Milena did, during Natalia’s next shift—for more baby food. Gradually, Natalia got her to open up. It turned out Milena had become pregnant with Michael’s child, but upon telling him, he’d said he wanted no part in raising a child. He went away and never returned. “He probably just went to sea,” Milena shrugged. “No matter—my daughter and I will manage fine!” Natalia nearly fell to her knees at the stroller, gazing at the child: “You mean—she’s my granddaughter?” “That’s right,” Milena replied softly. “Her name is Anna.” “Anya…” *** Natalia soon learned that Milena’s living situation was shaky—she had recently arrived in the city and rented a flat, but with a baby and no income, it was barely manageable. She was considering returning to her parents. Natalia’s heart ached at the thought of never seeing her granddaughter again. “Come and live with me, Milena. With Anya! She’s my granddaughter! I’ll help you both, and you’ll find yourself a steady job. And Michael sends so much money now—I barely spend any! Anna will be well cared for.” “What will Michael say?” “Does it matter? He made this mess! Walked out on his child and kept it from his own mother! I’ll make up for him, whatever it takes! And when he’s back, I’ll tell him everything—believe me, I’ll have words with him!” Natalia shook her fist. So they began living together. Natalia spared neither time nor money for her granddaughter. She reduced her work shifts to spend more time with Anna, and Milena, having found a job, left her daughter in Natalia’s care. As Michael’s next return drew closer, Natalia imagined confronting her son and making him apologise to Milena. Milena, meanwhile, grew increasingly anxious. But for Natalia, this only awakened a protective urge. “Michael will come back and throw Anna and me out! I shouldn’t have moved in—I’ll start looking for a new flat tomorrow,” Milena lamented. “Don’t be silly. Nobody’s throwing you out! When Michael returns, I’ll handle him. You hear me?” “Oh, he’ll kick us out for sure! I shouldn’t have relied on your kindness—I want nothing from you. You’re wonderful, and you’ve done so much for Anna and me, but I ought to just go home to my parents. We’ll stay in touch, though!” “You’ll do no such thing! I’m the head of this house, and I decide who lives here—Michael can just try to challenge me!” No matter how much Milena objected, Natalia didn’t budge. She kept them both. “You know, I’m thinking,” Natalia said over dinner one night, “we ought to transfer the flat into Anna’s name. Just so there’s no question later. Michael might never marry, but my granddaughter should have something. Besides, Michael isn’t on the birth certificate,” Natalia glanced at Milena, who looked embarrassed. “I’m sorry—I thought…” “I understand. But if anything were to happen, it’d be difficult to prove he’s her dad, so tomorrow, we’ll make everything official.” “Please don’t, Natalia. My parents have their own flat—” “Don’t try to talk me out of it!” Natalia interrupted. “My mind’s made up!” But the solicitor refused: “Your son must first be formally taken off the deeds.” Natalia was annoyed, but with Michael returning soon, she hoped to settle things then. Meanwhile, Milena began disappearing, and Natalia grew suspicious. “Why are you always staying late at work?” Natalia demanded one evening. Milena hesitated. “I’m trying to get an advance on my wages, but my boss says until I finish a task, I can’t get it.” “Why do you need an advance? Are you short of money?” Milena quietly changed into her home clothes. Natalia followed, and spotted a large bag, half-packed, hidden behind the bed. “Where are you going?” Milena stayed silent. “You’re not seriously moving out?” “Natalia, I have to go! Michael’s coming back…” “I won’t let you and my granddaughter leave!” Natalia put her foot down. Then added, thinking it over, “And you know where I keep the card. The pin’s written nearby. You can use it for whatever you need, rather than working all hours. Anna will soon forget what her mum looks like at this rate! If you want Michael to accept you, you need to get used to running a household.” Milena said nothing. Michael was due to arrive in two days. * * * Early on the morning of Michael’s return, Natalia peeked into Milena and Anna’s room. Only Anna slept soundly—Milena was gone. “That’s odd! Where has she gone? It’s only six o’clock—she’s never left so early before!” Natalia returned to the kitchen to prepare Michael’s favourite dishes. She pictured herself greeting her son with Anna in her arms, and imagined making him apologise to Milena on her return. At last, the doorbell rang. Michael stood motionless in the doorway, staring at his mother cradling a child. “Hi, mum. Whose child is that? What did I miss while I was away?” “You should know the answer to that!” “I don’t have a clue,” Michael replied, taking off his shoes. “Go on, tell me your adventures while I was gone.” “Adventures? Well, I found my granddaughter, Anna! That’s what happened!” Natalia replied, resolutely staring her son down. “What granddaughter? I don’t have a brother or sister I don’t know about, do I?” Michael joked. “Stop pretending, Michael! Milena’s told me everything! I didn’t raise you for this! I’m ashamed of your behaviour!” “Milena? I don’t understand. First, I asked you not to speak with her. Second, what has Milena to do with this child?” There and then, Natalia let out the whole story, complete with reproaches. Michael, hearing it all, groaned and held his head. “Oh, mum! Really!” “What, are you going to call me an idiot again? Well, go ahead—but I—” Natalia braced herself. “She’s not my child, mum! Milena’s deceived you. Honestly, you’re too gullible! Wait—she’s only after the money. What did she take?” “Nothing! You—” “Mum! Check your savings! Milena’s probably long gone with them by now!” “She just went to work!” insisted Natalia. They argued for ages, Michael eventually agreeing to wait for Milena to return before jumping to conclusions. They waited, but Milena didn’t come home that evening, nor the next day. Her phone went unanswered. Natalia, taking Anna, went to where Milena claimed to work—only to learn Milena had never been employed there. Showing photos made no difference. Returning home to check her hidden savings, Natalia found the money and card missing—only Anna’s things remained. “How could this happen? I can’t believe she’d abandon Anna and just disappear?” “She could do worse,” Michael said grimly. “Everyone warned me she was trouble… Then a friend told me she’d robbed him, but I ignored it. Later, she announced she was pregnant—goodness knows by whom. She claimed it was mine. But word got back: she’d been with half the neighbourhood.” “Foolish, naïve me!” wept Natalia. “Why didn’t you warn me?” “I didn’t want to upset you. You care so deeply about everyone.” “So what now?” “We go to the police! Good thing you didn’t manage to give the flat to ‘Anna.’ You’d be homeless now.” They filed a police report, but Milena was never found. She vanished completely. Meanwhile, Michael quickly blocked the stolen bank card, which turned up later at a station outside town. At least, while the search went on, Natalia was allowed to care for Anna—she even left her job to do so, Michael’s earnings covering expenses. A DNA test confirmed Michael wasn’t Anna’s father—but by then, Natalia couldn’t bear to part with the little girl. After discussing it, she and Michael decided to raise Anna as their own. Milena was stripped of her parental rights in absentia. It took months of paperwork, but eventually Natalia became Anna’s official guardian. A year later, Michael came home from sea—with a wife: “Meet Sonia, mum. We’re going to live together now.” “But what about—?” Natalia stammered, glancing towards the nursery, unsure if Michael had told his new wife. Sonia smiled warmly: “It’s lovely to meet you, Mrs. Mitchell! Michael told me everything, and honestly, I admire you so much! If you’ll let me, I’d love to help raise Anna—” she looked at her husband. “I’ve decided to leave the sea for good, and Sonia and I will formally adopt Anna. This time, I won’t take ‘no’ for an answer!” Natalia beamed with joy: “Oh, what happiness! Come in, both of you! I’ve been waiting, made plenty of food! Now we’ll get to know each other properly! I’m so happy!” she said, brushing away a tear.

The Long-Awaited Granddaughter

Margaret Evans was anxiously ringing her son, who had gone off on another trip. But the signal just wouldnt go through.

Oh, youve done it this time, lad! she sighed and dialled his number once more. No matter how many times she tried, the line wouldnt connect until he got to the next port, and who knew when that would be. And with all this going on!

Margaret hadnt slept for two nightsher son had really caused a stir!

* * *

It had all started several years ago, back when Michael wasnt yet working away at sea. Her son was a proper grown man by then, but things with women never seemed to work outnone of them seemed right to him! Margaret quietly despaired as Michaels relationships fell apart, one after another, with perfectly lovely and respectable English girls, in her opinion.

Youre impossible to please! she would tell him. Nothing is ever good enough for you! What sort of woman will ever meet your standards?

I dont see what youre getting at, Mum. You seem to want a daughter-in-law, but you dont care what sort of person she is.

Thats not true! I do care. I just want someone who loves you, and whos got a good character.

Michael would just give her a meaningful silence, which irritated Margaret terribly. Why did her own son, whom she had raised, who once sobbed into her lap as a child, act as if he knew more about life than her? Surely, she was still the elder!

What about Emily, then? she snapped one day.

Ive told you before.

Well, look Emily might not have been the best example, but Margaret wasnt about to let things go. Maybe, as you say, she was dishonest with you. I still dont really believe it

Mum! I dont think we should discuss the details. Emily wasnt the person I could see myself with.

And Sarah?

Not Sarah, either, Michael replied calmly.

What about Kate? She was such a gentle girl, a homebody. So sweet. Always came round asking if she could help outsurely that counts for something?

Yes, Mum, youre right. She was nice. But it turned out she never actually loved me.

And you?

Probably not.

And Charlotte?

Mum!

What do you mean, Mum? I swear no one can keep you happy! Youre becoming a womaniser, honestly! Why cant you just settle down, have a family, give me grandkids?

Lets stop this ridiculous conversation! Michael would say eventually, and storm out.

Hes just like his father, with that stubborn streak! Margaret would think, both annoyed and disappointed.

Time went by, girls came and went, but Margarets cherished dreamto celebrate her sons happiness, and cradle grandchildrennever materialised. Then Michael changed professions entirely. He bumped into an old friend, who offered him work on the shipping lines, and Michael agreed. Margaret tried in vain to talk him out of it.

Oh, Mum, dont fuss. Its a great offer! You know how much the lads make? Well have everything we need!

What do I care about your pay if youre always somewhere out at sea and I never see you? I wish youd just start a family!

And I will, but a family needs providing for! When you have kids, you cant exactly leave them for months. Ill work while Im still young, save up, then do everything else.

And Michael did make good money. After his very first voyage, he refurbished the flat. After the second, he opened up a proper bank account for her and handed over a card.

So youll never want for anything!

I dont need money! I just want grandchildrenand time is ticking by. Im not getting any younger!

Oh, youre not old! Dont be daft, youve years to go before the pension! Michael teased.

Margaret hardly touched the money. She had her own modest wage from her job at the local chemist, and that was plenty for her simple needs. The savings can just sit on the card, thatll impress Michael one dayhell see how thrifty his mother is! she thought.

And so they lived, year to year. Michael, whenever home between trips, tried to make up for lost timemeeting friends, going to the pub, staying out late and seeing new girls, never introducing them to his mother. When she brought it up, she got a blunt and rather hurtful response:

That way you wont worry about me not marrying them. I wouldnt settle down with any of them, Mum!

She was hurt, especially when Michael called her too trusting. That stung. Did that mean he thought she was foolish?

One evening, she happened to see Michael with a young woman and felt that old, burning desire to fix her sons life. Without shame, she approached the pair. Michael, a grown man, actually blushed! But without choice, he introduced them.

Margaret liked Alice immediately. Tall and slender, with curly hair and pleasant features and manners. Seeing such a beauty with her son, Margaret forgot all her grievances.

Perhaps he really was unlucky before. Maybe it was good that things didnt work outhed never have met someone like Alice otherwise, she thought.

Michaels romance with Alice lasted the entirety of his leave, and with her mothers encouragement Alice visited often. Margaret was delightedAlice was clever, cheerful, and easy to talk to. But when Michael started preparing for sea again, Alice disappeared.

We arent in touch anymore, and you shouldnt be, either, Michael said curtly, and left.

Margaret puzzled over what had happened for ages, but there was nowhere to get answers.

* * *

A year passed. Michael was home a few times, but each time, he brushed off questions about the lovely Alice.

Oh for goodness sakewhat was wrong with her? She seemed perfect! Margaret finally burst out.

Mum, thats my business. If I ended it, thats how it needed to be. Please stay out of it.

Margaret nearly cried. But I worry about you, Michael!

Dont! For the last time, dont contact Alice! And stop hassling me about it!

Soon, Michael was off to sea again, and Margaret, with a bruised heart, carried on.

One day, while at work in the chemists, a woman came in to buy baby formula. It was Alice! She looked down, fussing with her daughters hat, who sat quietly in her pram.

Alice, my dear! Im so glad to see you! Michael never explained anythingjust went off to sea and told me not to ask! Margaret burst out.

I see, Alice replied quietly, sadness in her eyes. Well, lets leave it that way.

Margaret became anxious.

Tell me, my dear, what happened between you and Michael? I know my sonhes difficult. Did he upset you?

It doesnt matter. Im not angry with him. Anyway, we must be offstill got to do the shopping.

But come and see me! You could pop in heremy shifts vary. We could have a chat, at least.

Alice did stop by during Margarets next shift, again for baby formula. Slowly, Margaret drew her out. Alice confessed she had fallen pregnant by Michael, but he told her he wasnt interested in having a childhe was always away and couldnt be tied down. Then he disappeared.

He probably went off to sea again, Alice shrugged. But were finewe dont need anyone else. Were happy as we are.

Margaret nearly wept as she looked at the child.

Soshes my granddaughter?

It would seem so, Alice said softly. Her name is Annie.

Little Annie

***

Margaret couldnt rest. Little by little, she coaxed out of Alice that they didnt really have anywhere to live. Alice was originally from up north, and was renting, but having a baby and no steady income made things almost impossible. She was thinking of moving back in with her parents. At the very thought of her granddaughter leaving for another town, and never seeing her again, Margarets heart ached.

Move in with me, Alice. Bring Annie! Shes my granddaughter, after all. Ill help you find a job, Ill help with Annie. Michael sends so much money, Ive no idea what to do with it. Anne will have everything she needs!

What about Michael?

What about him? He made his bed and left us both in the dark! Ill sort it out with him when he gets back. At the very least, I ought to right his wrongs!

And so, they all lived together. Margaret spared neither time nor money on Annie. She started cutting her shifts to spend more time at home, and Alice was able to find a job, often leaving Annie with Margaret, returning late and tired.

Ive been rushed off my feet all day, so many customersand most of them such a moody lot!

Never mind! Go and rest, Ill bath Annie myself and tuck her in!

Michaels visit home was coming up. Margaret imagined meeting him, fists at the ready for a stern talk, while Alice grew increasingly nervous. Margaret found it made her only more protective of both Alice and especially Annie.

Michael will be home soon and hell throw us out, I know it! I shouldnt have moved in. Ill start looking for a new place tomorrow.

Nonsense! Im the mistress of this house and Ill have who I like living here. Michael cant say otherwise!

Despite Alices protests, Margaret insisted they stay. One evening, she even declared over dinner,

Ive decided: the flat should go straight to Annie. No confusion later onMichael may never settle down, but Annie must have something. Hes not even on her birth certificate, is he? she asked Alice, who looked away, embarrassed.

SorryI thought

Its all right, love. But if something happens, itll be difficult to prove shes his, so lets get it sorted properly.

No, Margaret, thats too much. My parents have a place, too

Dont try to talk me out of it! Margaret cut in. Ive made up my mind.

But when they tried to transfer the flat, the solicitor said,

Youll need Michael to take his name off the deeds before you can proceed.

Margaret was annoyed, but Michael was due home soon, and she hoped to fix it quickly. Alice grew more uneasy, sometimes disappearing for hours.

Where have you been, Alice? Margaret asked one evening. Alice hesitated.

Just work Ive asked for an advance, but the boss says not until I finish the project he gave me.

Why do you need an advance? Are you short of something?

Alice said nothing as she changed into her house clothes. Margaret followed, noticing that Alice had quietly packed some belongings into a large bag hidden behind the bed.

Where are you off to? Have you decided to leave anyway?

Margaret, I have to go. Michael will be home soon

I wont let you leave with my granddaughter! Margaret snapped. Then, softening for a moment, she added: And listen, stop running yourself ragged at work! You know where my bank card is, and the PIN. Take what you need instead of working yourself into the ground. Annie will forget what her mother looks like! If you want Michael to accept you, you must learn to keep house.

Alice remained silent. Michael was home in two days.

* * *

Early on the morning of Michaels return, Margaret peeked into Alice and Annies room to watch them sleeping. But only Annie was thereno sign of Alice.

I dont understand. Wheres she gone? Its only six oclock, Alices never left for work this early!

She went to the kitchen to finish off Michaels favourite dishes, determined to confront him, Annie in her arms, and make him apologise to Alice when she got back.

At last, the doorbell rang.

Michael paused on the threshold, taken aback to see his mother with a toddler on her hip.

Hello, Mum. And whos this? What on earth happened while I was away?

You should know perfectly well!

Im lost, said Michael, stepping in and slipping off his shoes. Tell mewhats happened?

You want stories? Heres a storyI found my granddaughter, little Annie! Thats whats happened!

What granddaughter! Have I got brothers and sisters I dont know about? Michael exclaimed.

Oh, stop playing games, Mike! Alice told me everything! I didnt raise you to act like this!

Alice? I dont understand! For one, I asked you not to contact her. For another, whats this got to do with her and that child?

Furious, Margaret told her son everythingscolding him roundly in the process. Michael, hands to his head, replied,

Youyou Mum! he burst out.

What, are you going to call me naive again? Go ahead. But I Margaret said, standing her ground.

Shes not my child, Mum! Alice lied to youand you You are so easily taken in! Shes just after money. What did she take?

Nothing! Youre being paranoid

Mum! Check your savings! Alice has almost certainly legged it with them by now!

Shes at work! insisted Margaret.

They argued for ages, and eventually Michael gave up. He agreed to wait for Alice to return and clear everything up.

They waited deep into the night. While waiting, Margaret told Michael about how shed met Alice, how theyd lived together, and how she wanted the flat put in Annies name. Each time, Michael told her shed been strung along.

I dont believe you! Alice is a wonderful girl

Shes a wonderful scammer, more like. And you believed her so easily!

Stop saying that! When she gets back, Ill make you see sense, and youll be sorry! Meanwhile, Ill play with my granddaughter.

Shes not your granddaughter!

Margaret glared at her son.

We could always do a DNA test, Michael added.

Exactly what well do! declared Margaret, and marched off.

Evening turned to night, then to the next dayAlice never appeared. Her phone was off. Margaret went to the address Alice claimed as her workplace, Annie in tow. She was stunned to learn they had never heard of Alice. No matter how many times she showed staff Alices photo, their answer stayed the same.

Margaret hurried home to check her savings, as Michael had told her. The money and the bank card were gone; so were most of Alices thingsleaving just Annies modest belongings. Only then did Margaret accept the truth.

How could this happen? I cant believe itsurely she wouldnt just abandon Annie and run?

Of course she would! Michael said grimly. Why did I ever get involved? I was warnedsome of the lads told me she robbed them too. She strung me along, told me later she was pregnantclaimed it was mine. But everyone said she was three-timing half the neighbourhood.

Im such a fool! Margaret wept. Why didnt you tell me all this? I could have protected myself!

I didnt want to upset you, Mum. Youre always so kind with everyone I just wanted to spare your feelings.

What do we do now?

We report it to the police! Its lucky you didnt manage to put the flat in Annies name, or youd be out on the street.

They filed a report. Alice was never found; she seemed to vanish from England altogether. Months went by without a word. She didnt have time to empty the account; Michael froze it as soon as he returned. The card turned up later at a train station, miles away.

While the authorities looked for Alice, Margaret was allowed to keep Annie. She left her job for a while to care for her, relying on Michaels wages. DNA tests proved Michael wasnt Annies father, but by then, Margaret adored the little girl so much she couldnt bear to let her go. After much discussion, mother and son decided to raise Annie as their own. Alice was stripped of her parental rights in absentia, and it took months to secure legal guardianshipMargaret had to go back to work, find Annie a nursery place, fill in endless forms. But life eventually settled down, and together, they carried on.

A year later, Michael came home from another voyage with news.

Mum, meet Sophie. Were married now and living together.

Margaret was at first startled, glancing towards the nursery, uncertain if Michael had told Sophie about Annie.

But Sophie smiled at once.

Its lovely to finally meet you, Margaret! Michaels told me everything, and honestly, I admire what youve done. If youll let me, Id love to help raise Annie, too she glanced at Michael.

Yeah, Im finishing my time at sea for good. Sophie and I are planning to adopt Anniethis time, there wont be any obstacles.

Margaret beamed with joy:

Oh, what happiness! Come in, come inIve cooked enough for an army! Now we can all get to know each other properly. Im so happy! and she wiped a tear from her cheek.

And so, in the heart of their English home, Margaret learned that family can be built in unexpected ways, that kindness given freely may one day be repaid with the greatest joys, and that the truest family is often the one we choose, not the one we expect.