The House Spirit
Harry, was it you who tidied up the garden? Emily touched her sons shoulder.
He jumped, pulling his headphones off. The monsters kept battling on his computer screen, but Harry had lost interest in his game.
What, Mum?
I asked, have you just come back from school?
Yeah, just now.
So who cleaned up the garden?
How should I know? Maybe Sophie did.
Emily smiled. Her three-year-old daughter was certainly a go-getter, but not quite capable of heroic acts of tidying just yet.
Dont be silly!
Mustve been the house spirit then!
Ah, of course! Its all down to him, isnt it? Emily laughed. Youre such a chatterbox! Go on, pop over to Grans and bring Sophie back homeI bet shes lingering. Ill get dinner ready in the meantime. Are you hungry?
Yeah! We had buns in the canteen after second lesson, but that was ages ago. Mum, when will we finally get to be on the early shift at school?
I dont know, love. They’ve not decided yet. The schools bursting at the seams.
Oh well. At least theres a lie-in in the morning. Harry, as always, managed to find the silver lining.
Emily kissed the top of her son’s head and ruffled his hair as he tried to dodge her affection, then she headed for the kitchen.
Teenagers
Thirteen years old, already viewing himself as grown up, but still Hed freeze every time Emilys lips brushed his dark hairtough and unruly just like his fathers.
Her children were so different. Harry, dark-haired, blue-eyed, and tall, was the spitting image of his dad, James. Not just in looks, eitherEmily could already see the same stubborn, responsible, kind-hearted streak emerging. Maybe he hadnt been the one to tidy the garden, but hed definitely washed the dishesher sons doing for sure. And the kitchen floor still gleamed with the last traces of mopping water. Where would you find a helper like that? Perhaps one day Sophie would lend a hand too.
Sophie was Emilys miracle. Almost ten years of waiting and a threadbare hope; complications after her first birth almost robbed Emily of even that tiny chance. But a glimmer was enough, and she and James were blessed with a daughter. Fair as a daisy, soft curls like golden hay, and those same blue eyes as Harry. She took after her mumgentle as a kitten, always sidling up for a cuddle.
Sophie, are you alright?
One smile from her and the whole room would light up. No one in the world could smile like Sophiethat, Emily was sure of. Now, no one
The smile could warm Emilys heart and pierce right through it, all at onceit was James, her husbands. But he was gone now
The pain made her want to scream, but she couldnt. The children needed her.
James had been a firefighter. He saved lives. He saved an entire family onceparents and three kidsfrom a burning farmhouse. Returning for their gran, whod refused to leave her animals and stayed too long, he was caught inside when the fire took hold.
Emily knew James was gone before anyone called. Her heart wrenched, her chest tight with dread. She tore Sophie from her arms, shouting to her mother-in-law, who was visiting to help with the baby:
Mum, please take her! I need to make a call!
The next thing she knew, she was racing down the motorway to the fire station in a borrowed car, unaware of how her top was soaked through with milk or her hands cramped.
How did she make it through that time? How didnt she break?
The children helped. Harry clung to her every second.
Harry, let me tuck you in! Emilys mother-in-law, Margaret, was practically on her last legs, but she wouldnt leave Emilymade her eat, drink, and brought Sophie to her for feeds.
I want to stay with Mum! Harry shook his head, pressing his palm to Emilys cheek. Gran, why are Mums hands so cold?
Emily recalled it all dimlyscraps and snatches. She only half remembered packing up, stuffing toys and little clothes into bags.
I cant stay here anymore It feels like James will barge in any moment and shout, Im home!
Youre right, Emily! You shouldnt. Come stay at mine for now, well sort something after.
No. I dont want to go there either Sorry. It all reminds me of him. Ill go to Grans old house.
Emily, you cant! No ones lived there for years! You cant take the kids there!
Itll be fine. Just needs a good sorting, thats all. And youll be close. I need you.
Where else would I go? Youre all I have left
Dont, Mum. I cant bear it Well only end up in tears and theres so much to do. Please keep an eye on Sophie. Ive got to finish packing. And Harry needs feedinghes hardly been eating. Only sits with me at meals, and I cant stomach a bite.
That wont do! Margarets tone turned stern. Youre the mother. If youre alright, so will the children be. If you collapse, whatll happen to them? Emily, Im not as young or as strong as I used to be. Take care of yourself!
Emily quickly grabbed Margarets hands and pressed kisses to them, then went back to packing. She had to get away! The happiness that used to fill that little flat couldnt be brought back, and now every room that echoed with memories was unbearable to her.
Grans old house greeted her coldlybut she blamed herself. Shed started a new life and forgotten about it. Neglected it.
Emily wandered through, trailing her fingertips along the walls, sweeping dust from the old chest with its embroidered runner, and flinging open the windows to let in brisk autumn air.
Mum, take the children for now. Ill come fetch Sophie when its time for her feed.
Are you sure youll manage?
Of course
But Emily wasnt alone for long. Soon enough, the porch creaked and in came Sarah, her old schoolfriend.
You couldve let me know youd be here! Got your pride, havent you? Where do you keep the cleaning rags?
Sarah had always been a doer, a chatterbox who could laugh for hours, but when it came to her own, shed work herself to the bone.
Emily shook the suds off her hands and hugged her friend awkwardly.
Hi
Hi! Where are the kids?
With Mum.
Right, lets get moving! Or are you sleeping at hers tonight?
No, I wanted to stay here.
So why are you just standing about?
Sarah shook off the hug and scouted the room for a tub of water.
Sarah! Emilys eyes widened.
What? Oh, that! Yes, well, thats how it is.
When?
February. Why all the fuss? Im pregnant, not ill.
Whos?
You know! Chris. She grabbed a wet cloth and wiped down the sill. Ugh, what a mess!
Chris? But he
He left, yeah. Ill be a single mum. Lets not talk about it now, alright? Ill tell you later.
Will he come back?
Chris? No. He values his freedom more. Thats his choice. Anyway, Im having a baby, Emily. A proper miraclemine! Can you believe it?
Emily knew how much that meant. Sarahs first marriage crashed over infertility and blame from her in-laws. People whispered that she was the problem, poor Chris, married to the wrong girl.
At first, Sarah wept into her pillow, then decided shed had enough and left.
Better no husband than one unwilling to stand by his wife.
Chris remarried soon after and, funnily enough, it turned out he was the one with the problemhis new wife took charge, made him see a doctor, and a year later had a son, then a daughter.
Sarah was only happy for him, even grateful in the endthe break had made room for new happiness, now fluttering under her heart. Chris leaving hardly mattered; shed long outgrown being the timid girl who averted her gaze at harsh words.
They scrubbed and polished until dusk, but it was worth it. The house seemed to breathe, blinking its battered shutters, mumbling to itself and at last, waking up.
Sarah, tired but pleased, perched at the table, watching Emily fuss with the kettle.
Time flies so quickly
It seemed no time since theyd rush in to snatch a still-hot pie from the tray before dashing off to the river, with Emilys gran shouting after them:
Little ragamuffins! Why cant you eat like civilised people?
Theyd laugh, not slowing down, shouting back:
Back in an hour!
Which always meant until evening. When theyd stumble on Gran still in the garden after the heat, the girls would silently start helping with whatever chore was left. How could one woman, working at the dairy too, manage such a place?
She had a big holding. No choiceshe had to raise her granddaughter and help her son, now living in town with a new family. Emily was her eldest grandchild. Emilys mother died in childbirth, and the baby was left unwanted. Her father, absorbed in his loss, left for the city, and Gran had no choice but to raise the girl herself. When he had another child, she upped and moved Emily with her to the city, but they didnt stay long. Emily, three at the time, never understood why Gran packed up and fell silent all the bus journey home, brushing away tears now and then.
Gran died just after Emily turned eighteen. Shed just started dating James and was giddy with first love, slow to notice Grans sudden decline. She only realised how bad things were when she caught her stifling a groan one night.
Gran, are you alright?
They had just three months left, not nearly enough But Gran made sure to do one thing Emily would thank her for all her life. She called Margaret, James mum, over when she was bedridden, sent Emily out and spoke to her for a long time. What she said was a mystery, but from then on, Emily had a mother again.
Shed started calling her mother-in-law Mum before she even wed James.
Is that alright? Emily asked hesitantly, and breathed out in relief at the nod she got.
Shed never told anyone how much she longed to use that word Shed never been close to anyone but Gran. But now, she had someone else looking at her the way Gran had.
She wouldnt have dreamed of fighting with her. What for? Margaret had never given her anything but support and care. Any advice, even on running the house, came calm and kindly. Why argue? So few people find family not by blood, but by spiritEmily knew this well.
Shed learned by experience that blood relatives werent always family. After Gran passed, there was suddenly an influx from the cityher father, stepmother and step-grandmother.
Good house. Solid. Should fetch a good price.
The woman Emily had never met strode around, shaking her head.
Its all neglected! Needs fixing up. Buyers like things to be clean.
Buyers? Emily finally snapped, trembling.
For a week after Grans funeral shed been a sleepwalker, doing chores, mind dull with grief, ears on alertmaybe it was a nightmare, maybe Gran would soon stride out with her apron shouting:
You done running about? Come help with these jars for winter!
What buyers? her step-nan repeated. A dress strap slipped off her tan shoulder, exposing pale skin, and Emily suddenly felt sick. Whoever buys the place!
Emily said nothing. She dashed behind the shed, pressing her hand to her mouth, and by the time she returned Margaret was there.
Off you go, right now!
Who are you to order us about?!
The house is Emilystheres a deed of gift. And a will for the money in the bank too; all in order. I helped sort it. Youve no business here, trying to rob an orphan!
The row brewing in the garden passed Emily by. Margaret led her away, put her to bed, and brought her a clean nightdress.
No crying! I promised your Gran Id protect you. Here, have some tea. Rest, then well talk.
Emily only saw her father again on her wedding day.
Shed never sent an invitation. He showed up anyway.
The reception was in full swing and Emily giggled as James triedand failedto swaddle a giant baby doll. Someone tapped her shoulder and she turned, still laughing.
Hello, daughter
Emily was so stunned she had nothing to say. Her father pressed a set of keys into her palm and squeezed her fingers over them.
Im sorry. The documents are with Margaret. Shell explain. Be happy.
Before she could reply, he was gone from the hall.
The flat her father left was small but cosytwo rooms and a spacious kitchen. Emily wandered around, clueless about why shed leave Grans home.
Youll be better off hereits the city. Small, but full of opportunity. And you need to study.
Margaret had sat in the kitchen, very satisfied. Shed arranged things with Emilys father, explained the duty he owed his adult daughter. He hadnt raised her, but this was the least he could do.
You must. But when? Emily smiled wistfully.
Oh, dont you but when me! Early days, anyway. Not even told James yet.
Ill help. Get your degreeyour minds too sharp to waste.
Emily managed a local university course with help from Margaretwho babysat Harry, brought groceries, helped in every way.
They all breathed easier when Emily got work and Harry started nursery.
Were off to the seaside! James laughed, hands over his ears, as Emily and Sophie shrieked with joy.
It was their first and only proper holiday. Emily and James swam madly, checking the shore where Harry played under Grans watchful eye. In the evenings theyd stroll the pier, watching the sky darken into a tent of stars.
One night, James stayed with Harry at the carousel and Emily wandered the pier with Margaret, chatting idly.
At the far end a couple were having a rowyelling, shoving, not caring who saw.
Margaret watched them go and sighed.
Whats the point? Dont people realise all they do is steal from their own lives Theyre bound to make up, but theyve thrown away a night, maybe twohurt feelings, angry nerves Whats the point?
What makes you so sure theyll make up? Emily watched the couple thoughtfully.
Because you only fight like that if you care. Did you see her chase after him in tears? Shes furious, but shell forgive. And so will hehe kept looking back. Theyll never get this evening, or tomorrow back, though. Maybe the night will bring peace, but maybe not. You and James havent been married long, but when you have, remember this couple. Ask if quarrels are worth the time you lose. Theres so little time so little
Emily would always remain grateful to Margaret for that advice. Thanks to her, she could tell herself honestlyshe never wasted a moment with James.
Emily was taking the kettle off the hob and nearly dropped it in fright. Therea shadow flitted past the kitchen window. Not Harry. Some man was creeping in the dusk outside.
Her first thought was to lock the door and hide, but she pulled herself together. The children would be back soon, with Margaret. She had to keep them safe.
The wooden handle warmed her palm as she looked from the steaming spout to the windowand then marched boldly to the door.
No light outside. Shed forgotten to switch it on when she got home.
Whos there?!
The shed door creaked. Emily shrank back, cold fear gripping her.
What do you want? Ill shout for help!
A dark shape moved closer and she stepped backward.
Dont shout, Em, pleaseits only me. Peter.
Emily exhaled so hard the kettle almost slipped. It singed her calf through her dress and she muttered, placing it down on the verandah table.
What are you doing skulking in my garden, Pete? Why not just come in?
Short and solid, Peter was sheepish now, eyes downjust like Harry when hed broken a school window with his football.
Well, er The shed doors hanging off. I thought Id fix it. Im busy with the bees tomorrow, not sure when Ill be back. Thought Id do it now.
Emily was caught off guard.
The shed door?
Now it all clicked: the tidy garden neither she nor Harry had touched, the fence repairs, the sturdy new walkway to the outhouse
So youre the house spirit, eh? Emily smiled.
What?
The house spirit! Someones been helping out, keeping things going around here. Doesnt even drink the milk I leave. Harry reckons I should get a catmust be lonely for the house spirit. Are you lonely, Pete?
The faint kitchen light was just enough to see Peter go red.
Sorry. Shouldve said something sooner.
Thank you! Just why, Pete?
Peter didnt answerjust waved and slipped over the fence, not bothering with Margaret and the children, who had just arrived at the gate.
So youve found your spirit! Margaret grinned, handing Emily a milk bottle. Stick it in the fridge.
What do you mean, found? You knew?!
What did you expect? The whole village knows. Secrets arent secret for long! Petes been sweet on you since you were seeing my James. Did you never notice how he looked at you?
No
Really now? Margaret was surprised. Not pulling my leg?
Why would I? I truly didnt know
Right thencome here, we need to talk. After we settle the children, though. Thisll take all night!
They talked nearly till dawn. Emily kept Margarets teacup topped up, listening wide-eyed.
He came to see me about a year ago. Said I was all the family you had and wanted my blessing. Cheeky! But he knew how to charm me.
And you agreed?!
Why wouldnt I? Youre young, Emily. Lifes ahead of you! The children will grow and go, and youll be left looking after an old mushroom like me. Is that fair? No. You deserve happiness. I know how you loved my Jamesand yes, its true, that sort of love only comes once. But some are lucky, and get another chance at iteven after terrible pain. You thank fate for that, count your blessings. And maybe you wont love Pete the way you did James, but if life with him is warm and steadythats all I could want for you! Besides, Harry needs a man in his life. We love him, but its not the same. Petes been his pal for ages. Did you know hes been teaching him to drive?
No
Didnt say, did he? Hes so scared of upsetting you.
Why?
Who knows? Maybe he worries youll think hes treading on James memory?
How silly!
Exactly. You talk to your son, set his mind at rest. He likes Pete, but worries what youll think. Sophies too little, doesnt remember James at all. But Harry thats trickier. Still, hell be fine. But you
What about me? Emily flushed and looked away.
Nothing at all! Margaret smiled, reaching for her tea. Pour us another cuppa, would you?
Within a year, Emily and Peter will marry. And a year after that, another son joins the family.
Oh, look at that mop of hair, Mum! Emily laughs after coming home from hospital, slipping off the babys cap to reveal wispy golden hair like Sophies.
Hes a real little house spirit! Margaret wraps the baby tenderly in a blanket and jokes, Welcome, my newest grandson! You may call me Grandma Maggie.
Mum
Im just ready for the future! Feed him, love, and Ill see what I can cook for you.
A large ginger cat, a gift to Harry from his stepdad, will slink into the room, leap onto the windowsill, and keep watch over sleeping Emily and her tiny, tightly swaddled bundle. Silence will settle beside it, hugging the cat, gazing at the peaceful family. This is happiness so fragile, so precious best handled gently, with care.
Somewhere, a teaspoon clinks, Sophies little giggle rings out, and the cat, distracted, flicks its ear as silence slips away. Hell meticulously wash his face, getting ready to befriend the new member of the family.
Go on, now! There are enough guardians here already. ©
By: Lucy LawrenceLater, when dusk mellowed the garden into pools of lavender and blue, Emily slipped outside cradling the baby, drawn by the scent of lilac and damp earth. Peter was digging near the old apple tree, pausing now and then as if listening to the wind among the swollen leaves. Harry tossed a ball for the ginger cat, who pretended, with feline dignity, not to care at all. Sophie skip-hopped between violets and clover, holding one tight in her small fist. A feeling Emily hadnt known since childhood rose uplike music shed forgotten the words to, but still knew in her bones. She watched her familyher miracle, her patchwork, her heart stitched together stronger after so many breaks.
Peter turned and caught her eye, wiping his brow, grinningtimid, hopeful, entirely present. Margaret called from the porch, waving a pie in triumph. The sun shifted, sliding peach and gold along the old stone path and touching, for a moment, James old boots by the doorstill there, still belonging.
Emily pressed her lips to her new sons head, breathing him in, full of fierce gratitude. The world wasnt fair, but it was generous, toosometimes, impossibly so. For every sorrow, there was a hand to hold, an unexpected kindness, a place to begin again. The house settled around her with a comforting sigh, as if, at last, it could rest easy. It felt alivenot because of any spirit or secret helper, but because laughter echoed in the halls; because doors opened and closed with love, and the old garden burst with the promise of another season.
She closed her eyes, listeningnot for loss, but for the quiet miracle that comes with hope blooming where you least expect it. And as evening stole quietly across the sky, Emily knew: here, in this house shaped by memory, work, and ordinary if stubborn joy, life would go on. Spilled milk, laughter, bruised knees and fresh startsthe gentle, invisible work of loving and being loved, again and again.
