One must go on living. Hes run away, and thats that. If hed been a decent sort, perhaps you could mourn the loss, but he wasntno integrity. Well raise this child ourselves, dont you worry!
Paul was brought up by his mother and grandfather. His grandmother lingered in memory only as a faint presencehe could just about recall her warm, fragrant apple tarts, baked when he was five, before she passed.
Of his father, Paul knew nothing at all. The man had vanished before Paul ever saw the light of day. He and Pauls mother, Margaret, had come to the village together.
He met Margarets parents, the wedding date was set, and then, on the eve of matrimony, the groom bolted without so much as a goodbye.
No-one bothered to look for him. Margaret wept bitterly, her belly already beginning to swell.
Tears wont solve anything! declared granny. Life carries on. Hes run away, and good riddanceno man who acts so could ever be relied upon. Well bring up the lad ourselves; dont you fret!
Paul never went without, yet he did not grow spoiled. At school, he excelled.
His grandfather raised him with a strict hand. He taught Paul to respect his elders and value what he had. Paul could turn his hand to anything, and whatever he set his mind to, he achieved.
By thirty, Paul was considered quite the catch. Handsome, a solid job, a good salary, and a spacious three-bedroom flat in Londonall a man could wish for.
He was never short of feminine attention, but he didnt rush. He was busy, too. Every weekend, he journeyed to the countryside to see his mother. Granddad was gone, and Mrs. BellMargaretwas far from well.
She still managed the household, but lately, it became a struggle.
Paul tried to persuade her to move in with him, but she obstinately refused.
What would I do there? his mother would say. Besides, youre not even married yet, never mind grandchildren! Best I stay here on my own… its quieter.
Spend the summer with me. Then you can go to a seaside resort, rest for a while, and move in with me in autumn. You need more rest, Mum. Recover your strength, and go home later. Perhaps I could even join you in the country some day!
But you have your work! Margaret exclaimed. What would you do in the village?
People work in villages too, Mother, Paul retorted with a laugh.
At the time, he was seeing two women and could not decide between them.
First there was Jane, a modest country girldiligent and sweet.
The other was Alicecharming, striking, a town beauty, always laughing and bubbling with mischief. It wouldnt be a stretch to say she hadnt managed a household before.
Paul never invited either to live with him. They always met in neutral places. But it was time to choose, yet he could not bring himself to end it with either.
At last he settled to introduce them, in turn, to his mother. Margaret had just returned from a holiday at the coast and looked all the better for it.
Jane was first. She needed little convincing and was thrilledshe thought her dreams were coming true. If Paul was introducing her to his mother, it must mean marriage was on the cards!
Its lovely here, Paulso roomy, Jane remarked as she looked around his flat.
Yes, it is. My mother likes it too. Though shes not been well lately.
She lives here with you? Id thought she was just visiting. Poor health, is it?
Thats right.
Well, Ill say this straight away: I wouldnt be up for looking after her.
Ive not asked you to! Paul replied, taken aback. I can manage myself.
Still… its not ideal. Wouldnt it be better to live separately? You said she has her cottage in the villageshed be happier there. And wed be fine as well.
My mother will always be with me. Thats not up for discussion.
Oh, I see! I thought you were serious. If you change your mind, call me.
Jane left briskly, not even staying for a cup of tea.
Well, Paul mused, that was swift. If Jane ran for the hills, Alice will likely disappear even faster. Ill be left with neither!
He decided to be upfront with Alice on the matter.
Whatever may come, my mother will always live with me, he informed her.
I dont quite follow, she said, bemused. Why tell me this? I know your mother will live with you. But
Well, if we were to live together, how do you feel about having my mother with us?
Absolutely fine! Is this your proposal, then?
Paul grinned.
Perhaps it is. Come and meet my mother.
Oh, goodness! Will she like me? So suddenly, right now?
Shell like you. What are you afraid of?
Im not sure. Just apprehensive, I suppose…
Alice and Margaret hit it off at once. They quickly found common ground, often taking walks together while awaiting Pauls return from work. Later, the trio journeyed to the countryside, and, surprisingly, the city-bred Alice enjoyed rural life. Margaret chose to remain in her beloved village.
Summers here, and Im feeling myself again, she told them.
Six months later, Paul and Alice wed.
Well, Margaret beamed, it looks like Ill see grandchildren after all!
And so she dida granddaughter first, then a grandson!
Alice and Paul raised their children in the city. The youngsters thrived and soon prepared for university. Lately, Margaret lived with them, always joining for the familys holidays in the old village cottage, though she could never quite let go of her home.
Alice, forgive the timing, but Id like to go home to the village. Shall we go? Margaret asked her daughter-in-law one day.
Of course! Well just wait for Paulhell be home soon.
Good. But lets go at once. Please do tell himI need this, truly…
The village was as peaceful as ever. With each passing year, fewer folk remained…
Well, Im home for good now, Margaret announced quietly. You should sell my cottage. It wont fetch much, but it pains me to see it fall to bits…
Mum! You dont mean that! Paul protested. Were leaving together, arent we?
Yes, chimed in Alice. What are you saying?
Margaret gave a soft wave. Put the kettle on, dear. Id love a cup of tea…
After tea, Margaret retired to her room to lie down for just a moment…
Paul and Alice lingered in the kitchen a while longer.
Mum, its time! Paul eventually called.
But there was no reply.
Paul entered the room and stopped, struck dumb by the sight before him. His mother had passed peacefully.
They laid her to rest in the village churchyard.
She must have knownshe came back, for the last time… Alice wept. I loved her as if she were my own mother.
I always noticed, Paul replied quietly. What shall we do about the house?
It feels wrong to sell…
It does. Its a piece of our past. Let it stand a while longer.
So they agreed: the family home would remain. They would bring the children still, perhaps even grandchildren in years to come.
