Margaret, a retired woman living in the English countryside, enjoyed the gentle rhythm of her days, tending her home and her garden. But her peaceful life was unsettled by the troubles her sons family faced in the city. Her grandson, Matthew, was a well-mannered, even-tempered young man who had done well at school, but chose work at a local factory rather than pursue higher education. After marrying and having a son, Matthews life swiftly unraveled when he fell into alcohol addiction.
He began keeping questionable company and adopted self-destructive habits, which fuelled endless family rows and strained his marriage to breaking point. Hoping to keep the family together and help her struggling grandson, Margaret invited Matthew to move in with her. She believed a change of scene would do him good, and that having him about would also ease her own loneliness as she grew older. Perhaps he could lend a hand with the house and garden too.
At first, Matthews stay brought positive changes. He showed signs of improvement, much to his wifes relief, and they both adapted and began pitching in with Margarets garden. Sadly, after a month, Matthew slipped back into his old ways. In time, his wife left with their child, but Matthew was undeterred. Instead, he found another companion who shared his interests, and the pair moved in together, caring little for how Margaret felt.
Financial strains soon followed lenders demanded repayment of debts. Matthew even borrowed money from Margarets friends, causing her distress. Despite everything, he convinced his grandmother to sign over the house to him, leaving her in a precarious position. Fearing she might lose her home, Margaret watched helplessly as Matthew and his new partner continued to live off her, with no intention of contributing.
One day, overwhelmed by her circumstances, Margaret declared, Hell wont frighten me in the next world Ive already lived through it here. The couple conjured up a business idea and took out a loan from the bank. Yet Margaret knew, if things went wrong, they could all end up on the streets, left with nothing but the harsh outcome of their choices.
