INSTEAD OF WINGS, A BOOMERANG BEHIND THE BACK
Ill ruin your lives, just you wait! my brothers wife screamed with wild fury.
Why, Laura? I gave you the full amount. What more do you want? My mum could not fathom why her daughter-in-law threatened her.
Wheres it written that you handed over the money? Where are the witnesses? The receipt? You and Sam owe us for half of that flat! Laura stood firm in the doorway, refusing to move aside.
You know what, Laura? Go on, get lost! I was there when the money changed hands. Is that good enough? And give my regards to my dear brotherhe really needs to put you in your place. Dont come here again, I couldnt help but intervene. Mum was utterly defenceless.
Youll regret this! Itll be too late! Ill go to a witch and curse you all! Laura shouted as she left.
Our mum, after losing Dad, sold the house in the village and moved in with me to my three-bedroom flat. I was already widowed, raising my five-year-old son, Edgar. I gladly gave Mum a room.
Verity, do you mind if I give Sam half the money from the house sale? He is my son, after all. Lauras been nagging him, saying hes a useless husband and doesnt provide, Mum looked at me, hopeful.
Oh, Mum, its fine, of course, give it to him. Its fair, I replied, meaning it sincerely.
We invited Sam and Laura over, handed the money straight into their hands. Then, two years later, Laura turned up demanding more cash, threatening and cursing. I showed her out, locked the door, and forgot about Laura. For years, we didnt speak to Sam or her. It felt as if a black cat had crossed our pathmisfortune poured down on us like a never-ending torrent. Trouble followed us wherever we went. As the saying goes, you escape grief over the river, but its waiting for you on the bank.
Mum took ill, I became sick with something strange, and Edgar broke out in weeping eczema. There were constant issues. In our flat, saturated with the odour of medicine, things kept breaking or falling apart. The wall clock would stop in the middle of the night. Being a police officer, I was forced to retire early though Id intended to stay until I was ready to leave. I had to care for Mum, nurture Edgar back to health. Somehow, money started slipping through our fingers.
I remember turning my flat into a house of violets: everywhere, pots of those flowers. Id grown, propagated, and sold them at the local market. I dare say those tiny blossoms saved us from debt. People eagerly bought them.
Once a year, relatives visited. They stayed a week, gifted us second-hand but clean clothes, and brought food staplesmeat, pasta, grains, flour. We were overjoyed. When they left, the cycle began again.
No money, illness, apathy.
To keep despair and gloomy thoughts at bay, I started a flowerbed by the front entrance. That spring, I sowed seeds. Ordinary flowers came upsnapdragons, night-scented stock, calendula. But that was my only spark of inspiration.
One day, neighbour Michael strolled past, giving my humble flowerbed a thoughtful look.
Good morning! Would you like some cash for your flowers? Buy plentymake us all envious!
My uncertainty showed, but Michael slipped some notes into my dressing gown pocket.
Go on, dont be shy. Youre making things beautiful for everyone.
Feeling uplifted, I bought exotic flowers and shrubs. My flowerbed flourished, blooming with vibrant colours. Neighbours marvelled at the gardens beauty.
Michael regularly stopped to admire it.
Only good-hearted folks can make flowers thrive so wildly.
He would often treat me to sweets, chocolate bars, and ice cream.
Thats for you, Verity, for all your hard work.
The kindness of a stranger truly warmed me.
Over the years, things gradually improved. Mum got better and cheerful, Edgars skin cleared up. I felt feminine againlike a woman in white lace. I longed to give and receive love, regardless of my autumn years.
Edgar, having watched his grandmothers struggle, decided to become a doctor. He was accepted easily at medical school, worked in a hospital alongside. Soon, he assisted in surgeries. Before long, neighbours started knocking for diagnoses, injections, drips…
Edgar qualified as an anaesthetist.
With Edgar, we refurbished the flat. He bought a used foreign car, and planned to marry his colleague, Isla, a cardiologist. Things were peaceful and good.
Recently, Laura called with a hoarse voice:
Hello, Verity. Could you visit me? Im in hospital.
I went to the address. On the ward, I found Lauras bed.
Whats happened, Laura? I asked, surprised at her worn-out look. Her eyes were hollow.
Well, Verity We went for a walk in the woods, my husband and I. We found a human skull lying in the grass and took it home. Cleaned it, varnished it, made an ashtray out of it. Six months later, your brother died in a car accident. Then two months after, our son suffocated in the garage after drinking with friends. And now Im illpneumonia. Oh God, why did we bring that cursed skull home? Thats when my misfortune began, Laura sobbed bitterly.
No, Laura, it started when you went to dark witches and sent curses. The skull was just a consequence, I replied, unable to hold my tongue. She had brought enough pain to our family.
Youre right, Verity. I confess. I did place curses on you, spread my anger like tar, and condemned myself to loneliness. Forgive me. Lets forget those stupid quarrels. In my youth, I had wings, but now theres a boomerang behind me. I feel its sting, Laura bowed her head, silent and thoughtful.
I told Edgar everything. He was sympathetic.
Mum, lets move Aunt Laura to my hospital. Shell be better cared for. Not a stranger, after all.
Yes, Edgar, Id fully forgiven Laura. She deserved pityleft alone with her sorrow, losing both her son and husband.
Michael then suggested we unite our lives. He lived one floor above.
Verity, why dont you come live with me? Itll be more cheerful. Youre a widow, Im a widower; well have plenty to talk about. Agreed?
Yes, Michael. I could barely believe my lucka joy that warmed and brightened my soul.
Mum was happy for me.
See, Verity, your destiny was always close, quietly approaching, watching over you. You earned this happiness.
Laura recovered quickly, asking to visit. Should I invite her? Ill discuss with Edgar and Michael…
