Vera was hurrying home, her arms weighed down with heavy shopping bags.
Her mind was racing through everything she needed to do: prepare dinner, make sure her two sons were fed, and help the younger one with his homework.
Even from a distance she noticed an ambulance parked in front of their building. Her heart leapther husbands health had been fragile lately, had it really gotten so bad theyd needed to call an ambulance?
Are you going to flat fifteen? she asked the driver, her voice trembling with worry.
No, number fourteen. Some elderly lady wasnt feeling well, the driver replied.
Vera felt a wave of relief. So it wasnt for her family, but for their neighbour, Mrs. Nina Alexander. It wasnt comforting, of courseMrs. Alexander lived alone and was nearly eighty.
Oh goodness, Mrs. Alexander has a cat. If they take her to hospital, someone will have to look after it, Vera thought as she climbed the stairs.
There was a bit of a kerfuffle outside Mrs. Alexanders door: the door was wide open, there was a stretcher, and Veras husband, Alec, was helping the paramedic tend to the elderly lady.
The drivers coming up now. We’ll sort it together, said the paramedic.
Mrs. Alexander brightened when she saw Vera.
Vera love, theyre taking me to hospital. Ill leave you my keyscould you look after Mabel for me? Her foods on the kitchen table, and the litter box is ready, just be kind and change it once a day. With luck Ill be back for New Years, said Mrs. Alexander, handing Vera her keys.
Of course Ill look after your catjust get well soon! Vera replied, gently covering Mrs. Alexanders hand with her own.
You need to lie still, no need to fuss, the paramedic chided gently. And heres the driverlets get moving, shall we?
One moment, Mrs. Alexander interjected. Vera dear, could I ask one more favour? Theres a scrap of paper with a phone number on the hallway table. If anything happens to me, please call that number. Its my daughter, Susan. We havent spoken in yearshad an awful falling out
Vera assured her that everything would be fine, and once Mrs. Alexander was taken away, she picked up the little note, checked in on Mabel the cat, and locked up.
Imagine, we’ve lived here all these years and I never knew Mrs. Alexander had a daughter, she remarked to Alec when he returned.
Nor Inever seen a visitor at hers, Alec said. Are we having dinner tonight?
Vera exclaimed and dashed off to tackle the housework, and by the time the boys were in bed, she remembered Mrs. Alexanders daughter and the note torn from an old notepad. She hesitated, then decided it was too late to callSusan wouldnt be allowed to visit the hospital at this hour anyway.
The next day, tending to Mabel, Vera remembered Mrs. Alexanders request. The well-fed cat leapt into Veras lap and purred contentedly, while Vera waveredshould she call Susan or not?
At last, summoning her courage, she dialed the number.
Hello, is that Susan? she said when the voice answered. You dont know me, Im your mothers neighbour. She was taken to hospital yesterday. Perhaps you could visit her.
Ive no interest in that woman, Susan replied curtly. Shes not been my mother for many years.
Oh, come onsurely you dont mean that! Vera said, shocked. Whatevers come between you, she may never come home again. Are you really so angry that you wouldnt even want to see her?
This isnt your concern, Susan replied coldly.
Youre heartless! If I could see my mother now, even for a moment, Id give half my life for it. Believe me, when shes gone youll understand far more than you ever thought. I looked after my own mum for six years, and it was hardharder than you can imagine.
Sometimes, I admit, it became almost unbearable. But now, nearly ten years since she passed, I wish Id had another ten years with herno matter how difficult.
Vera slammed down the phone, still seething.
Well, Mabel, she said to the cat. If your owner doesnt recover, youll just have to come and live with us. I hope you get on with our Tom. I rang the hospital today, and Mrs. Alexanders not improving
Christmas and New Years approached. Vera and Alec were headed home from the shops; Alec was carrying a bushy Christmas tree.
Wait up, could you please hold the door for us? Vera called out as two women entered the building lobby. She turned to shout to Alec, Come along!
He hurried in behind her.
Then Vera looked properly at the two women who were entering. She froze in surprise.
Oh, its you? Mrs. Alexander, have you been discharged?
Yes, they let me home for the New Year. Im feeling much better, Mrs. Alexander beamed. And this is Susanmy daughter! I want you to meet.
Weve already met, Susan grinned. Well, sort of!
The little party made their way upstairs together, Susan gently linking arms with her mother. As they passed Veras door, Susan whispered,
Thank youfor making me see sense. Could I come by in a bit?
Of course, Vera replied, surprised.
Half an hour later, Susan knocked at the door holding a cake. Over tea she shared her story.
Mum and I had a row ten years agoover something daft. I cant even remember what. Shes a former teacher, always keen to offer advice, and that day I just snapped. We both took offence; barely spoke for a year, only exchanged calls at birthdays and Christmas.
Once, in anger, I even said Id rather be without her than be endlessly criticised.
When you called to say she was in hospital, I felt almost relieved. But then, after you spoke about your own mother, I was terrified. I realised if she died, my entire childhood would vanish with her. Who would ever call me daughter? Id be alone in the world
Susan explained how she pondered Veras words for two days before swallowing her pride and visiting her mum in hospital.
Youve no idea, she smiled, after I visited, Mum improved overnight. Ill never abandon her again! Susan gave Vera a warm hug and hurried back to her mother.
What did you say to her? Alec asked later, baffled.
I just told her the truth, I think, Vera replied softly. Its only the truth that helps open someones eyes. Come on, love, don’t forget to ring your mum tonight. Or shall we go and spend New Year with her? After all, weve only got the one mum between us now
In the end, Vera learned that sometimes, a simple act of kindness and honesty can heal even the deepest wounds. Life is too short to hold grudgescherish those you love while you still can.
