The hospital ward is stifling and oppressive. Anna presses her hands over her ears, desperate to block out the wailing cries of newborn babies from the next room. All she wants is to escape, to run away and leave this nightmare behind her.
Annie, darling, at least have a look at her! pleads the midwife, Aunt Nina, an older woman with kind eyes. Shes the spitting image of you! Like two peas in a pod.
No! Dont try to convince me! Annas voice trembles as she fights back the tears. Ive signed the release, havent I? What more do you want from me? Ive got nowhere to take her! Dont you understand?
Shush, youll scare the baby. Now, what do you mean, nowhere to take her? Are you homeless? Nina narrows her eyes. What about your parents?
Ive got an elderly mother. She needs looking after herself! I cant just show up at the cottage with a baby in my arms. The villagers will laugh at me.
Well, let them laugh! Nina smiles patiently. Maybe itll lighten their spirits. But seriously, people will talk, then forget all about it. But you, youll never forgive yourself. Youll remember leaving this little one forever.
Anna buries her face in her hands and weeps. Nina senses that shes nearly convinced her.
Just look at her! Shes got your lovely button nose. And look at her eyes, you can already tell shell be a blue-eyed beautyjust like her mum.
ButI havent even got nappies. And how am I supposed to afford the train back home with her? Anna’s resistance weakens.
Oh, dont you worry about that. Well help you. The hospital charity fund will cover your fare, and well put together a layette for your little girl. Ill even see you off at the station myself. So? Any idea what you’ll call her?
Evelyn
Charming! It suits her perfectly. Come on, take Evelyn, give her a feedI’ll pop back a bit later.
Holding her breath, Nina passes the baby into her mothers hesitant arms. Anna takes her daughter gently, tears rolling down her cheeks. Pulling the child close, she realises she could never leave her.
So, did it work? Will she take back her decision? the doctor asks quietly.
It worked! Nina beams through her own tears.
On the station platform, Anna feels as if shes awakened from a bad dream. Clutching her daughter tightly, as though someone might try to take her away, she stands beside Nina, who has honoured her promise to see them off.
Thank you. Im so ashamed I even thought of abandoning my daughter, Anna says quietly.
Youve had a difficult time. But hard days will pass, and losing a child is forever I made a terrible mistake once, Anna, one that cant be undone. Been paying for it my whole life. Ninas voice wavers.
What happened? Anna asks, surprised. I always thought you were almost a saint.
I was in your shoes once. But I had no mother, no home to return to. I didnt want the babyand made arrangements. The doctors wouldnt help, said it was too late. I turned to a backstreet midwife. She did the job, but I was left unable to have children. My husband left me too, when he found out. Ive never forgiven myself, Ninas eyes glisten.
Im so sorry. Youve delivered so many babies, held them for the first time, and yet never held your own, Anna murmurs.
Look after Evelyn, Anna. And rememberif things get impossible, you know where to find me.
The two women embrace, as close as kin. Soon the train pulls in. Anna waves to Nina from the window until the station fades from view. Nina stands alone on the platform, quietly wiping away tears.
The journey home is long and difficult. At last, Anna approaches her mothers cottage, carrying Evelyn in one arm and a large bag filled with baby clothes and blankets the hospital has gifted. How will Mum react? What will she say? Anna frets, unable to predict her mothers response.
Anna? Is that you? a neighbour, Auntie Margaret, peers out from behind the gate.
Its me. Is Mum in?
Oh, love, didnt you hear? Your mum passed away six months ago. Margaret shakes her head sadly.
Perhaps its for the best, Anna thinks bitterly, that Mum never lived to see such disgrace. Her baby? She nods towards little Evelyn.
Yes. My daughter, Anna answers, chin held proud.
Her legs barely carry her into the yard. She wants to scream and sob from grief and hopelessness, but her daughter is in her arms. She cant indulge in despair; theres a child to care for now, first and foremost. Dont worry, sweetheart, were together. Theres two of us now. Were strongwell manage, she whispers, clutching Evelyn tight.
***
Ten years pass. Christmas is on its way. Anna bustles in the kitchen, while Evelyn watches flakes of snow dance over the garden path.
Mum, why dont I have a granny? Evelyn asks, her tone wistful. Everyone at school talks about going to their grandparents for Christmas. They get presents and are always welcome.
Our grannys been gone a long time. She never got the chance to meet you, Anna replies softly.
Well, what about my other granny?
Other? What do you mean, love?
Everyone has two grannies, Evelyn insists.
Actuallyyoure right! Anna remembers suddenly, a smile lighting up her face. We do have another. How do you feel about visiting her? Bring her some mince pies? Shes the kindest midwifeworked at the hospital, always so gentle and sweet.
And so they do. Next day, Anna and Evelyn travel into town. At the hospital, Anna asks after Nina, only to be told by the receptionist that she retired, not well enough to work anymore.
Oh, Annas heart sinks. Weve come all the way to see her. Do you have her address, perhaps, or her number? Could you share it?
Normally, we cant just hand that out. Whats your relationship to her? the woman asks suspiciously.
Im her niece, Anna lies, guessing they wont give an address to a stranger. Its been years since I visited. The address is lost somewherecould you help us, please?
Please! We really want to see Granny Nina, Evelyn chimes in.
Welllet me see what I can do. The receptionist disappears for a while before returning with a slip of paper bearing the address. Here you are. Please give our regards to Mrs. Harris.
Thank you! We certainly will, Anna beams.
They travel by taxi and soon stand anxiously at the door of a third-floor flat. Please let us be in time Anna prays silently. The door opens almost straight away. There stands Nina, older but still strong.
Good evening, Anna says, nervous but hopeful.
Nina looks them over, trying to place them.
Anna? Is it really you? Nina half-whispers.
Yes! And you havent changed a bit! Anna grins. This is Evelyndo you remember her?
Of course I do! Nina laughs, her eyes shining. Well, dont just stand there; come in, the both of you!
Soon the women are sat at the table, catching up on years gone by. They have much to share. Evelyn pets a cat on the sofa, eyes fixed on her favourite cartoons.
Anna, why dont you and Evelyn stay here with me? Im all alone, and you two are by yourselves too. We could put Evelyn in a good school, and you could get a job, Nina proposes.
Im not sure What about my cottage? It would be a shame to leave it. Why not come with us instead? You could keep a little gardenand maybe a cow! The airs wonderful, theres a river and the countryside is so beautiful in summer. Its nothing like the city, Anna encourages.
Id love that! Always wanted a tiny vegetable patchnever mind a cow! Nina laughs, her eyes glistening with hope and excitement.
Its settled! Youll come with us! Anna exclaims, delighted.
Granny Nina, will you always be with us now? Evelyn wraps her arms around Nina.
I will, darling. I always dreamed of having a granddaughter like you!
The next morning, they pack up their suitcases and set off for the village together. Each of them, in their own way, is happier than ever. Anna is glad not to face life alone any more, knowing someone close will be with her and her daughter. Nina, once resigned to a lonely old age, now finds herself with a family and a new home in a tranquil corner of the world. Evelyn rejoicesfinally, she too has a beloved granny.
