Mum, Please Smile Arina never liked it when the neighbours came over and asked her mother to sing a song. “Anna, sing us a tune, your voice is lovely and you dance so well,” they’d say. Her mother would begin singing, the neighbours would join in, and sometimes they’d all dance together in the courtyard. Back then, Arina lived with her parents and her younger brother, Tony, in their own house in an English village. Her mother was cheerful and welcoming, and when the neighbours left, she’d say, “Come again sometime, it was lovely to spend time together,” and they’d promise they would. But Arina couldn’t explain why she felt embarrassed when her mother sang and danced. She was in Year 5 at the village school when she finally said, “Mum, please don’t sing and dance… I get embarrassed,” though she didn’t quite understand why herself. Even now, as a grown woman and a mother herself, Arina can’t explain what she felt. But Anna replied, “Arina, darling, don’t be ashamed when I sing—be happy! I won’t always sing and dance, not when I’m older…” But back then, Arina didn’t think about how life isn’t always joyful. When she was in Year 6, and her brother was in Year 2, their father left. He packed his bags and left forever. Arina never knew the reason. As a teenager, she asked, “Mum, why did Dad leave us?” “You’ll know when you’re older,” her mother replied. Anna couldn’t bear to tell her daughter that she’d caught her husband at home with another woman, Vera, who lived nearby. Arina and Tony were at school, but Anna came home early after forgetting her purse. Surprised to find the door unlocked at eleven in the morning, she walked in and saw the devastating scene in their bedroom. Her husband and Vera stared at her, as if she was the intruder. There was a terrible row that evening. Anna packed his things and told him, “Go. I will never forgive your betrayal.” Ivan tried to reason with her, but she wouldn’t listen. “You have my things and my final answer,” she said, and left for the garden. Ivan took his things and left while Anna watched discreetly from around the corner, too hurt to face him again. “We’ll survive somehow,” she thought, as tears streamed down her face. “But I’ll never forgive.” And she didn’t. Anna was left alone to raise two children and soon realised how hard it would be. She took two jobs—cleaning by day and working nights at the local bakery. Exhausted, her smile slowly vanished. Though her father lived only four houses down with Vera, Arina and Tony still saw him. Vera had a son Tony’s age, who was in the same class as him. Anna never forbade her children from seeing their father; they’d play together, but always ate at home as Vera never fed them. Sometimes, even Vera’s son would come to their house, to the neighbours’ surprise. Anna would feed them all; she didn’t resent her ex-husband’s stepson. But from then on, Arina never saw her mother smile. Anna was kind and caring, but closed in on herself. Sometimes, Arina would come home from school wanting her mum to talk to her. She’d offer up stories from her day, like, “Mum, imagine, today Genka brought a kitten to class, it started meowing during lessons, and even the teacher couldn’t work out who it was. We told her it was in his bag, and she sent both Genka and the kitten home, calling his mum to school.” To this, her mum could only reply, “Right… I see…” Her laughter had gone. But Arina often heard her crying softly at night. It was only when she was older that Arina understood her mother’s tiredness. “She worked two jobs, staying up at night; she must’ve been exhausted and probably lacked vitamins. She always made sure Tony and I were well-dressed and our clothes were clean and ironed,” Arina later recalled. Back then, she’d often beg, “Mum, please smile—I haven’t seen your smile for so long.” Anna loved her children in her own way. She didn’t often hug them, but would praise them for good grades and never causing trouble. She cooked well, and their home was always tidy. Arina felt her mother’s love especially when she braided her hair. Anna would stroke her daughter’s head, always with that sad gentleness. She lost her teeth early, but never replaced them. After school, Arina didn’t even consider going off to university—she didn’t want to leave her mum alone, knowing it would cost money. She got a job in the village shop nearby, helping support her mum as Tony grew up fast and needed new clothes and shoes. One day, a new customer came in—a man named Michael, from a neighbouring village eight miles away. He smiled and said, “What’s your name, beautiful? You’re new here, I haven’t seen you before when I’ve passed through.” “I’m Arina, and I haven’t seen you either.” He introduced himself, and soon started visiting often, picking Arina up after work for long walks or a spin in his car. Once, he even brought her to his own home. He lived with his mother, who was in poor health; his wife had left him and taken their daughter to town, not wanting to care for his mum. He had a big farm and a good house, and always treated Arina to delicious meals—cream, meat, sweets. She liked his home and soon, he asked her to marry him. “I’ll be honest—you’ll need to look after Mum, but I’ll help.” Arina agreed, happy inside, but didn’t show too much. Looking after his sick mother wouldn’t be a problem. Michael was nervous, but delighted when she accepted. After their wedding, Arina moved to Michael’s village. Tony was grown up, away learning to be a mechanic. Arina and Michael soon had two sons in quick succession. She was busy at home—after his mum died, the farm still needed constant work. Michael never let her do the heavy lifting, always saying, “You leave that to me—just milk the cows and feed the chickens; I’ll see to the pigs.” He was a loving husband and great with the children. Though Arina had never lived on a big farm before, she knew how to do everything, and Michael was generous, often saying, “Arina, let’s take some meat and cream and milk to your mum—she has to buy everything, while we’ve got it all fresh and homemade.” Anna would accept with thanks, but never smiled. Even when surrounded by her grandchildren, she remained solemn. Arina often wondered how to help bring her mother back to life. “Arina, maybe you should talk to Father Joseph at church, he might have some advice” Michael suggested, and Arina took the idea to heart. The priest promised to pray for Anna and told Arina to ask God to bring a good person into her mother’s life. One day, Anna asked her daughter, “Could you lend me some money? I want to get my teeth done.” Arina was overjoyed—anything to help her mum smile again. She gave her the money, though Anna insisted she’d repay it. They caught up by phone as Michael was busy helping his Uncle Colin, who’d just bought a nearby house and moved in after things didn’t work out with his wife. Uncle Colin invited Michael and Arina to visit—they were surprised to meet his new partner: Anna, Arina’s mum. Anna blushed but was smiling. She looked younger, happier, completely changed. “Mum! I’m so happy… why didn’t you say anything?” “I didn’t want to tell you in case it didn’t work out.” “Uncle Colin, why didn’t you tell us?” “I was afraid Anna might change her mind. But now we’re happy.” Michael and Arina were thrilled that Anna and Colin had found each other. Anna was transformed—beaming and always smiling now. Thank you for reading, subscribing, and for your support. Wishing you all the best in life.

Mum, Give Us a Smile

Emily never liked it when the neighbours popped round and asked her mum to sing a tune.

Go on, Annie, give us a song! Youve got such a lovely voice, and dont half dance a treat, theyd chant, and soon her mum would start singing, the neighbours would chime in, and sometimes before they knew it, theyd all be dancing round the garden.

Back then, Emily lived with her parents in a cottage in the English countryside, and her little brother, Tommy, was there too. Her mum was always a cheery, welcoming soul, and when the neighbours packed up to leave, shed smile and say, Come by again, that was a right laugh. Weve had a good natter, and theyd all promise to pop back soon.

But Emily always squirmed when her mum started belting out tunes and pulling out the dance moves. She was mortified. Once, in year five, she blurted out, Mum, please dont sing and danceI get embarrassed. Even now, as a grown mum herself, she cant quite say why it bothered her so much.

Annie just replied, Ems, dont be shy when I sing. You should be happy about it. I wont be singing and dancing forever got to make the most of it while Im not over the hill yet.

Emily never thought much about it at the time, and didnt realise that life can take the sparkle out of even the jolliest tune.

When Emily was in year six and Tommy in year two, their dad upped and left. Just packed his bags and vanished. Emily had no clue what happened between her mum and dad, but in her teenage years, she finally found the courage to ask, Mum, why did Dad leave us?

Youll understand when youre older, her mum said, not ready to spill the beans.

Annie couldnt bear to tell Emily shed come home early from cleaning at the pub, only to catch her husband in the act with another woman Vera from down the lane. The kids were at school, shed popped back because shed forgotten her purse.

The door was unlocked odd, as her husband shouldve been at work and it wasnt even noon yet. She walked into the bedroom and, well, walked into the worst surprise of her life. Ivan and Vera sat staring at her, as if she were the intruder!

That evening, when her husband returned home, it absolutely all kicked off. The children were out playing and, thankfully, missed the drama. Annie was blunt: Ive packed your things, theyre in a bag in the bedroom. Take them and go. Ill never forgive you.

Ivan tried to plead. Annie, it was a moment of madness; lets just forget it. Think of the kids.

But Annie just walked out into the garden. That was that. Ivan knew thered be no second chances he took his bag and left, while Annie stood out of sight and watched. She wanted nothing more to do with him, his betrayal cut too deep.

Well get by somehow, the three of us, she thought, crying silently. She was right not to forgive. Suddenly it was just her and the kids. She knew things would be tough, but just how tough shed only discover later.

She had to work two jobs cleaning in the day and helping out at the local bakery overnight. There wasnt much rest, and the smile seemed to be wiped away from her face for good.

Their dad might have left, but Emily and Tommy still saw him he lived four doors down with Vera. Vera had a son, same age as Tommy, and the boys were both in year two at the village school. Annie never stopped them seeing their dad and even let them visit for a play, though they always came back home for tea. Vera didnt feed them, which suited Annie just fine.

Sometimes Veras boy tagged along to their place, which prompted some major curtain-twitching from the neighbours. Annie would feed them all shed never held it against the lad; it wasnt his fault. But Emily couldnt remember the last time her mum truly smiled. She was as caring as ever, but closed off in a way she hadnt been before.

Sometimes Emily came home from school just desperate for her mums attention, so she would chatter about what had happened that day.

Mum, youll never guess what Charlie brought a kitten into class and it started meowing during Maths. Mrs Thompson couldnt work out who was making the noise and told Charlie off, thinking it was him. But then we told her it was a kitten in his rucksack! She sent Charlie and the kitten out and said his mum would have to come in for a chat.

Hmm. Right was about all Annie managed.

Emily could tell nothing cheered her mum up anymore. Emily heard her crying some nights, just standing and staring out the window at the streetlight. Only as an adult did Emily really get it: her mum was absolutely knackered, running on empty, and probably hadnt seen a vitamin in months. Still, Annie worked herself ragged to give Emily and Tommy clean, smart clothes, home-cooked meals, and a tidy home.

Back then, Emily would sometimes beg, Mum, please, just give us a smile I havent seen you smile in ages.

Annie did love her children, in her own, stoic way. She didnt fuss over them, didnt hand out cuddles often, but shed dish out praise when their school reports were good and was never cross without reason. Their home was always spotless and Emily always felt her mums love, especially when Annie plaited her hair in the mornings. Annies shoulders would droop as she ran her fingers through her daughters hair.

Annies teeth had started to fall out early, and she didnt bother with dentures.

After finishing school, university never even crossed Emilys mind she wasnt about to leave her mum on her own, not with money as tight as it was. She got a job at the local corner shop and tried to help out, knowing Tommy was shooting up and needed new shoes and school gear every five minutes.

One day, a fella called Michael popped in. Not from around their way he lived in a different village. He was a good nine years older than Emily but seemed immediately taken with her.

Whats your name, gorgeous? he grinned, Must be new I swing by this shop quite a bit and havent seen you before.

Im Emily, and I havent seen you either, she replied.

Im from the next village over, about five miles away Michaels the name.

And thats how it started. Michael would turn up in his car and pick up Emily after work. Theyd drive about a bit, sit in the car, chat, and he even took her home to meet his mum, who was very poorly. His previous wife had left, taking their daughter and escaping the rural life.

Michaels house was big, with a proper farmhouse feel. The table always groaned with food cream, roast chicken, and sweets. Emily liked it there. Michaels mum was mostly bedridden.

Emily, will you marry me? Michael proposed one day. You really are the bees knees. Just so you know, youd have to help look after my mum, but Ill pitch in, I promise.

Emily kept her cool, but inside, she was chuffed. Helping out with his mum was nothing compared to life at home. Michael waited, hope in his eyes.

Might as well say yes at least I wont be living on toast and tinned beans anymore, she thought. Aloud, she said, Alright, yes, I will, and Michael whooped.

Em, Im over the moon! Love you to bitsI wasnt sure youd want a divorced old bloke like me, but Ill never upset you. Well be happy, just you wait.

Michael was as good as his word. They got married, and Emily moved in truth be told, she didnt really want to go back to her old house. Tommy was practically grown and away at college studying mechanic work, only home during college breaks.

Time went on and Emily truly was happy with Michael. They had two sons, one after the other. She didnt work as she was too busy keeping house and wrangling the kids. Michaels mum died after theyd been living together a couple of years, but the farm kept them more than occupied. Michael brought home the bacon, but made sure Emily didnt lift anything heavy.

Dont you go lugging those buckets Ill handle the pigs. Your jobs milking the cow, sorting the hens and ducks, but Ill handle the hogs.

Emily knew her husband loved her and doted on their boys, even if shed never run a farm before marrying him. Michael was always generous.

Lets take your mum some meat, cream, and milk. No need for her to buy it when weve got it fresh, hed say.

Annie accepted everything gratefully but still never smiled, not even with the grandkids clambering on her lap. Emily always felt a pang what could she do to give her mum her old spark back?

Em, maybe you should have a word with the vicar, ask him what to do, Michael suggested, and she leapt at the idea.

The vicar promised to pray for Annie and said, Ask God to send your mum a good companion, so Emily sent up a few prayers herself.

One day, Annie rang her up: Love, could you lend me some money for my new teeth?

Oh, Mum, you dont need to ask! Ill pay for the lot, Emily cheered, but she knew Annie would only accept a loan.

She handed over the money but, true to form, Annie promised to pay her back soon.

Emily hadnt visited her mum lately they kept in touch over the phone as Michael was busy helping his Uncle Colin who had recently been booted out by his wife after the kids grew up. Colin had bought a decent house in their village, and Michael was sorting the paperwork for him.

Emily and Michael popped in to see Colin every now and again. Then, one day, Michael came home and announced, By the way, I think Uncle Colins planning to get hitched. He was on the phone the other day, chatting away like a lovesick teenager

Good on him! Emily said. He needs a woman about the house, especially with a place that size.

Soon after, Uncle Colin turned up on their doorstep, inviting them over.

Ive found my old flame we went to school together. Shes moving in tomorrow. Drop round for tea the day after.

A couple of days later, Emily and Michael went with gifts in tow. Emily stepped through the door and nearly fainted. There, grinning from ear to ear, was her mum. She stiffened a little, but her eyes sparkled with genuine happiness.

Mum! Oh, Im so happyBut why didnt you tell us?

I didnt want to jinx it and have nothing come of it, Annie said, blushing.

Uncle Colin, why did you keep quiet? Emily asked.

Didnt want Annie to change her mindBut now, were chuffed as anything.

Michael and Emily couldnt have been more delighted Annie had finally found her smile again, and she wore it all the time.

Thanks for reading, and cheers for your support. Wishing you a bit of good luck, and always a reason to grin.