How Emily Became a Mum Thanks to Her Kind Heart
Emily steps into the entrance of her London flat, surprised to see a cardboard box outside her door. She stops and stares at it, bewildered. Inside, curled up together, are a small dog and a cat. Both of them look up at her with frightened eyes, visibly trembling.
What on earth? Who are you two then? Emily asks softly, as if expecting an answer from the little strays.
Just then, the door to the neighbouring flat opens and Mrs. Green, her kindly elderly neighbour, peeks out.
Oh, evening, Emily love. Isnt it just awful? Poor Valerie from the floor above passed away, and it seems her niece couldnt find anyone to take in her pets.
She asked all of us no one was able. My Rupert would never stand another cat, and youll remember Maureen down the hall has allergies Maybe you and Dan could take them? You havent got children, and you get on just fine.
We havent really planned for pets, let alone two Emily trails off, flustered.
I shouldnt think they ought to be split up, mind you. Theyre used to one another, always slept together Valerie walked the dog, and the cat wandered about, barely any bother at all.
Would you consider it, love? Mrs. Green pleads, her voice full of hope.
And if not? What happens then? Emily asks hesitantly.
Heard talk theyll be taken to be put down. The box is already packed. And the flat is as good as sold nobody wants them… Mrs. Green sighs, shaking her head.
At that moment, a man heading up the stairs pauses, taking in the scene. He nods at the box sympathetically.
Not tempted to take them in? Theyre both gentle, dont eat much. Getting on in years, mind Not likely to be with us long No one really wants them. Shame that. Valerie did so love them.
All right. I cant bear the thought of them being put down. What are their names? Weve only lived here two years and hardly know anyone Emily finally says. The man beams and carries the box inside for her.
The dogs called Alfie, the cat is Arthur. Thank you really, thank you He sets a £20 note and a lead on the hallway table. For the first few days, at least. Thank you again
Emily closes the door and takes off her coat. She crouches to speak with her unexpected guests.
Well now, chaps, Dans going to be surprised. Wait till he sees you two But hes a softie, Im sure hell come round in the end, she reassures them gently.
Dont worry, I wont let anyone hurt you. Fancy being put down, poor loves
Arthur, the cat, seems to understand. He gingerly climbs from the box and begins exploring the hallway. Alfie doesnt budge for a while, simply watching as Emily and Arthur move about.
Emily heads to the kitchen and opens the fridge. No pet food, of course. But she cooks some porridge, chopping in bits of meat, hoping both will eat.
To her relief, after inspecting the flat, the cat appears in the kitchen and investigates the food in the bowl. Emily invites Alfie in too.
He hesitates, peering at her with sorrowful eyes, but seeing the cat tucking in, he edges forward as well.
When Dan returns from work, he is indeed shocked. The couple discuss looking for suitable homes for the animalsmaybe someone with a garden or a bigger house.
Emily and Dan have been married for four years, but only bought their flat two years back. They love each other deeply and rarely argue. The only shadow in their lives is the absence of children.
Youre so house-proud, always said no pets Dan marvels.
I thought wed have a baby by now. But here they are, nearly put down, and I just I couldnt, Dan, Im sorry Emilys eyes well up with tears.
I love animals too, you know. Well look after them, and Ill see at work if someone wants a pet, Dan hugs her.
From that day, life in their home changes. The cat and dog settle in quickly. Their previous flat was just above, with the same layout and the same square behind the building.
My good boys, Emily says as they settle, it feels like youve always lived with us
She takes Alfie out to the garden three times a day, and Arthur quickly finds his way in and out through the kitchen window, much to her delight.
Mrs. Green is pleased Emily took in the pets and helps out whenever she canbringing bones for Alfie and leaving leftover rice pudding for Arthur.
In the evenings, Dan and Emily laugh watching Arthur leap around after a new toy mouse, while Alfie dozes contentedly on the rug.
The furry pair sleep together every night, utterly inseparable. Its clear to the couple that separating them was never an option.
After a few months, Emily and Dan cant bear to find new homes for them; the animals are simply part of the family.
Emilys mum, who lives nearby, pops round on weekends. She grows fond of the pets herself, though at first she is bemused by her daughters acquisition.
Id take your Arthur, but Im up on the third floor and hed never manage without a garden, she tells Emily.
Emily shakes her head: No, Mum, youll come over when we go on holiday. Thats when your help will be needed. You can water the plants and keep an eye on these two.
Summer comes, and the couple head for the seaside. Emily calls her mum almost every day, checking in on herand the pets.
Alls perfect, love. Theyre eating well, sleeping together, I walk Alfie round the gardens every morning. Enjoy yourself! her mum reports.
Upon returning, Emily is delighted by the rapturous greeting from Alfie and ArthurAlfie wagging and bounding, howling in delight, and Arthur, after an initial jump, purring and rubbing himself against Dans legs.
Look at that, Em. Were proper loved, arent we? Dan laughs. Emily scratches Alfies ears and sets about feeding them all.
Now she wakes early to walk Alfie, then feeds the friends after each stroll.
A couple of months later, Emily, flustered and excited, tells Dan shes finally expecting a babythe moment theyve long wished for.
Those pets came to you for a reason, Emily, her mum says, knowingly. Perhaps fates way of testing your kindness and compassion, and now the heavens have blessed you in return. Best get yourself ready for motherhood.
Yes, Mum, I do agree, though I never believed in omens Emily replies, But having Arthur and Alfie has been excellent practice.
Their care, cleaning up, all that affection Theyre very like children!
Would you like me to take them for a bit, to make things easier when baby comes? her mother offers.
No, Mum. Well manage fine. You can come round instead, take the buggy in the garden, or help out indoors if the babys asleep.
They hug, happy and hopeful.
Emilys pregnancy passes without a hitch, and soon she gives birth to a healthy baby boy. Dan is over the moon, as is Emily and all the family.
Alfie, elderly and gentle, never makes a fuss. Arthur is no trouble either, spending sunny days outdoors, napping among the rose bushes or climbing the old lime tree. The house is peaceful, full, and happy at last.
All up and down the street, the elderly ladiesspurred on by Mrs. Greenshare the tale of how Emily became a mum thanks to her big-hearted kindness.
She tells it herself as a little legend, proof that the universe truly does repay us for our most heartfelt acts.
What do you reckondo you agree with Mrs. Green? Share your thoughts below! Give us a like if youve enjoyed the story.
