Barbara arrived at Kings Cross station from her little village, clutching two hefty bags. Though visits to her family were rare, she had spent her very last pounds on gifts, hoping theyd bring a spark of happiness into their lives. Never had she visited empty-handedbut this time shed outdone herself, each bag weighing nearly ten kilograms. Despite the arduous journey, she pressed on, reassured by her sons promise to collect her when she arrived.
Yet the moment she stepped onto the cold platform, red-brick walls towering around her, she searched the crowds in vain. Her son was nowhere to be seen. With no other choice, Barbara set down her burdens beside a bench, her shoulders throbbing, and shakily dialed his number.
The phone rang endlessly, until at lasta familiar, harried voice.
Oh, Mum, Im so sorry. I completely forgot you were coming today, he stammered, confusion colouring his tone. We decided to head up to my wifes parents in Yorkshire for the week. We only made the plan last minute, and I forgot to tell you. Im so sorry you came all this way for nothing. Please, just head home, alright? Didnt see it comingjust slipped my mind, honestly.
Tears stung Barbaras eyes but she held them back, answering quickly, Alright.
She handed the two parcels, lovingly wrapped, to a couple of rough sleepers outside the stationbringing them along on the return journey wasnt possible. Her arms already felt like lead. She voiced no complaint, not to her son, who never understood how deeply he wounded his mothers heart. Shed poured every ounce of love and care into raising him, and yet, in her old age, he couldnt even spare a moment for her.
A month passed, silence echoing in her small cottage, until her daughter-in-law rang and asked if she could mind the grandchildren that weekend while they attended a friends wedding. Barbara politely declined. She was tired of being remembered only when she was needed.
