Different People
Alice was never an easy girl to raise. Both Simon and Mary knew it was their own fault. Theyd spoiled her terribly. But how could they not? She was so lovely, so delicate, and they had struggled so hard to have her. Mary just couldnt seem to conceive. They tried everythingevery doctor they could, even went up to London. But all the doctors shook their heads and said nothing was wrong.
But if nothing was wrong, why did they have no child? One of the old doctors recommended they try some folk remedies, so they did. They found an elderly woman in the next village, who gave Mary a horrid bitter tonic to take by the dropful every day. Mary grimaced but took it, and then, at last, she fell pregnant. Their joy was boundlessSimon was so delighted the neighbours could hear him.
Marys pregnancy, though, was very difficult. Simon often feared she wouldnt carry the child to term. She was dreadfully ill, unable to eat, even the faintest smells set her off, and her hands and feet swelled terribly. She hardly slept, barely went outside. When her labour pains began, Simon was almost relieved. But it was only the beginning. Labour dragged on, and after more than ten hours the doctors decided on a caesarean. The baby girl was weak and exhausted, and Mary lost a dreadful lot of bloodshe hovered between life and death for two days. But both survived. Mary recovered, and after nearly a month in the childrens ward with her daughter, she finally returned home. Simon had missed her so, and he was on top of the world, eager to dote on his little one.
At last, he thought, they would have a happy life. A real family, like hed always wanted.
When Alice was five, Simon came home one day, sat down in front of Mary, and said, Mary, we need to build ourselves a house. We cant go on in this single room. Alice is little now, but shes growingshe must have her own room one day.
Mary always supported her husband, but this time she hesitated. Where would they find the money?
Ive thought it all through, Simon insisted. If we dont try to do it all at once, but bit by bit, we can manage. The main thing is to take our time. And Mary realised he was right. Every family dreamed of a home, and a spacious one at that.
But that dream was not to be. Half a year later, Alice fell gravely ill. What started as a common cold led to complicationsone thing after another. Mary and Alice were never out of the hospital, shuffled from one clinic to another. The family sank into terrible debt. But at last, the girl recovered, though treatment took nearly three years.
No one spoke of building anymore. Now, just settling their debts seemed impossible. Mary knew Simon still longed for a home, but he said nothing.
With Alice more grown, Mary took a job at the factory. Wages were better, and if both worked hard, perhaps one day Simons dream would come true after all.
It took until Alice was fourteen to pay everything off. But even then, as Alice grew, so did her demandsa new dress, a coat like Annies. She was only a girl, after all. Her school-leaving party approached; they set aside what money they could. Once Alice finishes school and heads off to study, well start in earnest, they thought. But things never go as planned. Alice did go off to university, and Simon managed to get the walls of a house up within two yearsrough boards for windows and doors, but a house nonetheless.
Two years later, on a Sunday after working at the building site, Simon and Mary put in two windowsprogress worth celebrating. Just as they sat down in their modest flat, there was a knock on the door. Mary opened it and gasped. Alice stood before her, heavily pregnant, with a long-haired lad nervously shifting behind.
Alice, whats this? Mary stared at her belly.
Mother, dont be silly. Were having a baby, me and Ricky. By the way, this is Ricky. Hell be living here now, and were getting married. Ricky nodded and kept on chewing his gum.
Simon appeared behind Mary and let the couple enter. They all sat at the table. Simon began, Alice, why didnt you tell us anything?
What for? So you could give me lectures?
And your studies?
Ill be fine without them. Ricky dropped out first year and he manages.
Simon looked at the lad, who nodded yet again. So, where does our young Ricky work then?
Dad, dont start. He isnt working just nowhasnt found what he wants to do yet.
Ricky nodded meaningfully once more.
So how do you expect to support yourselvesboth unemployed and a child on the way? Simon asked, incredulous.
Alice looked surprised. Well, I do have parents, dont I?
Simon retreated to the kitchen to hold his tongue, Mary following in silence. They laid their mattresses on the floor that night so the young couple could have the sofa.
In the morning, Simon called Mary aside. Love, I think we ought to move into the new house. Well finish up a room and keep working away slowly. Let the youngsters have the flatas a wedding present.
Mary quickly agreed. They took only the essentials, letting Alice and Ricky have the rest. As they left, Simon said, There you go, Alice. The flat is yours now. Be a good mistress of your home. They hugged, and Simon and Mary left.
The new house was far from finished. But Mary kept cheerful, cooking over a camping stove, washing laundry in a basin, fetching water from the pump down the road, and helping Simon lug stones and mix cement. Simon tried to shield Mary from the heavy work, but she refused to let him bear it all alone. Alice arrived from time to time to ask for moneythe building costs ate up everything, but of course they helped if they could.
One day, Simon lost patience and asked, So, is Ricky still not working?
Dad, there arent any good jobs. He wont slog for peanuts on a building site.
Hed rather let you support him and the baby, then? Simon pressed. He wanted the answer from Ricky himself. Ricky finally answered, Didnt really expect Id be hauled into lugging bricks and mortar. Simon shook his head. You think a family will be handed to you with no effort? Thats not how life works.
As they left, Alice saw them out. Simon suggested, Your useless young man is doing nothinghe can come help finish the house hell one day inherit.
Oh, thats rich! Alice huffed. Why should he help you when you started this silly building project yourselves?
Simon only shrugged and drove home. Mary slipped Alice a few pound notes when no one saw; Simon pretended not to notice. She was still their daughter, after all.
A week later, Ricky found some worknot construction, mind you, just an office errand boy. It didnt pay much, but at least something. Simon and Mary sighed with relief.
Often, a boy from next door, about ten or eleven, watched them at work in the yard. He was shy, lived with his grandmother in an old cottage hidden behind apple trees. Simon and Mary liked to have their evening cup of tea in the garden after work. Home was slowly, ever so slowly, becoming home.
One evening, Simon noticed the boy again and called him over. Mary poured him a cup of tea and brought out the biscuits. The boy, Anthony, was polite and grateful. They chatted, and Anthony told them his parents had died when he was little; he lived with his grandmother, who was old and ailing, but he took care of her and loved her dearly.
Would you mind if I sometimes came round to help? Anthony asked. With school out for summer, Im a bit bored.
Of course, lad, any help is welcome. Your granny wont mind?
Not at allshes glad for me to do something useful.
The next day, Anthony was waiting for Simons return. He took to the work so well that soon Simon teased Mary, Off you go, Ive a real partner now, not like a woman who doesnt know a brick from a stone.
Mary laughed and went inside, but then caught sight of Anthonys grandmother, Mrs. Petty, sitting on her bench. Mary marched over to have a word. She was a kind, clever soul. When Mary asked if shed mind Anthony helping out, Mrs. Petty was astonished. Whats wrong with one neighbour helping another? Besides, hell learn more here than chasing dogs in the street. Your husbands handyI can tell.
Yes, he is, Mary smiled wistfully, always feeling safe with Simon, wishing her daughter might find someone as steady. Things hadnt turned out that way.
Why dont you come have tea with us? We always drink it in the garden. Mrs. Petty gladly accepted.
That evening, after theyd all finished for the day, they lingered in the gardenSimon and Anthony discussing how to fit the plumbing, the women chatting over their tea.
The next day, Alice gave birth. Simon and Mary dashed to the hospital, arms loaded with treats and baby clothes, even a present for Ricky. Strangely enough, Ricky had bought flowers. They brought Alice and the baby home, finding a cot already in the small flat. Perhaps fatherhood was sobering him up. At least he didnt drink.
At first, Mary visited often to help, until, one day, she overheard Ricky asking Alice why her mother came so much: Cant you handle your own baby? Were our own familydont need her telling us how to live. Mary was hurt, and when she told Simon, he agreed, Best to stay away. If they need us, theyll ask.
Still, Mary worried, though she stopped visiting. Sometimes, she dropped off cakes and shopping at the stairwell, but only when Ricky wasnt home. Alice sensed something had changed, but didnt ask.
Meanwhile, Simon and Anthony became close, as did Mary and Mrs. Petty. Simon even took Anthony to town before term and bought him a new suit and school bag. Mrs. Petty cried with gratitude, but Simon hugged Anthony, saying, Nonsense, lad. Youre like my own son now.
Then, one winter years later, Anthony ran to the house, pale and franticMrs. Petty, eighty-five and frail, was fading. Mary hurried to her cottage and, seeing her in bed, knew at once it was the end. She told Simon, who understood. Anthony wept bitterly in Simons arms, and Mary sorted out the funeral. At fourteen, Anthony faced the prospect of a childrens home. Simon wouldnt let it happen, and after some persuasion, was made Anthonys guardian, with a small allowance. Meanwhile, Alices home was chaos, as Rickys sister had arrived with her baby. Her husband had thrown her out. Three adults, two children, and a baby in one cramped flat.
But Alice never complained, and her parents kept clear. Anthony, on the other hand, became more and more like a son, helping in every way. Mary no longer had to carry groceries; Anthony did all the heavy lifting.
When Simon and Mary retired, they agreed that, orphan or not, Anthony deserved a good education. Theyd do what they could to help. But Anthony surprised themhe found himself evening work as soon as he started his studies. They tried to support him, but he assured them his stipend and wages were enough. He visited most weekends, always bearing gifts, always hugging his mum and dad.
Then Mary fell illwasting away and growing weak. Simon was beside himself with worry. Mary was only sixty, with so much left to live for. He finally persuaded her to go to hospital. When he visited, the doctor called him in.
Your wife has cancera very advanced stage, Im afraid. Make the most of your time. She may have half a year at most.
For Simon, it was the end of the world. His Mary! She had hardly lived, always putting others first. He phoned Alice.
Alice, your mothers ill.
Thats a shame. What do you want me to do?
She has cancer, Alice. Six months, they say.
His voice nearly broke.
All right, Dad, Ill visit tomorrow.
Alice visited only once. When Mary was sent home, the doctor said Simon would soon need help with her, full care. Simon was readysurely Alice wouldnt refuse to help her own mother.
A month later, the time came when Simon couldnt cope alone, bathing Mary especially. He called Alice.
Darling, could you come? I need help washing your mum.
Oh, Lord, do I have to run across town every day now? Ill try, but I cant promise anything.
Simon waited all day but she never came. He didnt phone again, unwilling to hear what he feared. Theyd spoiled her, made her selfish.
So he struggled on alone. After hours, he finished, and Mary wept, Why do I keep punishing you and myself? I wish I could just go
Dont talk nonsense, Marywhat would I do without you?
Look after Anthony, at least.
Mary smiled through tears.
A month later, she passed away. Anthony, by then twenty-two and just out of university, cried openly. Simon had kept Marys illness from him as long as possible, but Anthony visited so often it was impossible to hide for long.
Anthony moved to the town, rented a flat, and found a job in his field. Simon knew that Anthonys employers valued him greatly and hoped for the best for the lads future. Yet the house Simon, Mary, and Anthony had built together stood empty but for Simon. All Marys touches made it a true homecosy, warm, filled with flowers.
Anthony visited often, sometimes just for a cup of tea. Simon begged him to move in, to save on rent, but Anthony always replied, I have to do it on my own. Alice only dropped by to borrow money or take things, eyeing the rooms as if planning her move. They could have moved into the house, but Ricky and his father always quarrelled, so they stayed packed into the small flat.
Simons health declined after Marys passing. Chest pains, breathlessnesshe took every pill the neighbours suggested. Anthony worried, begging him to see a doctor, but Simon just waved him off.
One evening, the pain grew so fierce Simon could hardly breathe. He took pills, but nothing helped. He called Alice.
Darling, my hearts bad
Take a pill or ring for an ambulance, Dad. Im not racing across town after work.
She hung up. Simon felt worse than ever. Desperate, he phoned Anthony.
Sorry, Anthony, but I dont feel right.
Ill be straight there. Hold on, Anthony replied, bringing his fiancée, Ellen, a paramedic. She examined Simon and said he needed hospital at once.
Anthony and Ellen visited daily while Simon was in hospital. Simon told Anthony he ought to marry such a wonderful lass, but Anthony was waiting until they had a home of their own.
It was Ellen and Anthony who brought Simon home from hospital. Alice was busy and suggested he get a taxi. Anthony helped Simon settle in, and Ellen immediately began cooking.
Ill prepare meals for two days, just heat them upIm on night shift tomorrow, she said.
Dont fuss, Ellen, I can manage.
Its no trouble, but you need your rest.
Simon felt warmed by all this care. After they left, Alice turned up, walked around the house, and asked how he was. Simon couldnt hold it back.
You never visited me in hospital, Alice
There were plenty of doctors, Dad. What difference would it have made?
Of course it would. Youre my daughter.
Oh, stop moaning, will you? Always going on
Dont you raise your voice! You never visited your dying mother, and now not meI sometimes wonder if youre really our daughter.
That set Alice off. Im sick of your whining! I wish youd just die already! You live alone in this big house, and were packed like sardines. Not ashamed? Cant even live properly yourself and still making my life miserable…
So thats it. You never cared for your father, you just want the house. You never helped build ityour mother and I dragged every stone while you and Ricky did nothing. Where were you then?
Alice stormed out, slamming the door. Simon wasnt surprisedhed sensed she only wanted his house, yet he hadnt thought shed wish him dead.
He had already made up his mind, but in any case, he wanted Marys guidance. She appeared often in his dreams; he hoped this night shed come again.
He slept deeply, woke refreshed, and got a call from Anthony.
Feeling fit as a fiddle! Simon joked. Ellen really is wonderful.
Thanks, Dad. I know.
Anthony, could you find a solicitor wholl come to the house?
Of course. Is everything all right?
All finejust a bit of business.
Ill sort it and call you back.
Before long, the solicitor arrived. He was surprised at Simons request but did his job without protest. It took an hour, and as soon as the man left Simon felt at peace. He sat down to write a letter.
Anthony, if youre reading this, then Ive gone. Dont grieve, Im with my Mary now. Anthony, Ellen is a wonderful girl, and I love you as my own son. I wish you all the happiness and a fine family. Marry her, dont wait. Im leaving you this house as a wedding gift. Take itnot a word of protest, mind. Youve earned itthe walls are shaped by your hands and heart as much as mine. Thats mine and Marys last wish.
Simon sealed the letter with their photograph, lay back on the sofa, and recalled the days he and Mary met, wed, and built their life
Anthony helped Ellen from the car, carrying a bag of fruit and groceries. All was strangely stillthe garden immaculate, Marys flowers still blooming. Simon usually greeted them at the door or window. Anthony pushed open the unlocked door, looked back at Ellen, and quickened his pace.
He entered the room, and there Simon lay, clutching the photograph. Anthony dropped the bag; apples and oranges rolled across the floor.
Dad
Ellen, already checking Simon, looked up at Anthony and shook her head. Anthony knelt by the sofa and wept, unashamed. Ellen left him to his grief, knowing how much Simon meant to him.
Later, when Alice and Ricky arrived, Anthony discovered the letter addressed to him. He read it while Alice marched through the house with a tape measure, Ricky trailing behind. Anthony handed the letter to Ellen. She nodded toward Alice.
Alice, your father left a letterfor me, but you ought to read it too.
Alice scanned the page, went red in the face, and screamed, That old fool! Lost his mind in the end! Shouldve died sooner, while he still had any sense! Well, this isnt over!
She stormed from the house, hatred in every stepShe stormed out, slamming the door so hard a vase rattled on the sideboard. Ricky, with a shrug and a mumbled, Figures, shuffled after her. Silence fell, deep and oddly peaceful, broken only by the soft ticking of the clock.
Ellen closed the letter and set it gently on Simons chest, beside the photograph of Mary. Anthony rose, wiped his eyes, and looked around at the walls hed helped raise, the shelves Mary had insisted on, the old kettle theyd always used for tea.
I thought I never had a true family, he whispered. But it was right here all along.
Ellen took his hand. He knew youd carry it oneverything they built.
In the days that followed, neighbours came by with condolences and casseroles, sharing stories of Simons stubbornness, Marys warmth, and how the three of them had made a house from sweat and kindness. In Simons garden, Anthony planted a small rosebush with EllenMarys favourite, for remembrance, Ellen said. Spring came, and the first blooms opened, pink and soft, swaying in the breeze.
When Anthony and Ellen married, the house filled with laughter and toasts, childrens voices ringing through the rooms at future gatherings. Sometimes, Anthony sat alone on the garden bench in the evening, watching the sun slip behind the apple trees. Hed raise his mug toward the sky, as if sharing one last tea with Simon and Mary.
He never heard from Alice again. Yet he kept the photograph and letter on the mantel, not to lock away the past, but so whoever visited could see: family is not only a matter of blood, but of the love we buildstone by stone, day by day, hand in hand.
And within those walls, home endured, in every memory, every echo of laughter, every gentle rose blooming for those who remembered what it meant to care.
