Come in, Mum, weve been waiting for you, said her son, William, while his wife, Emily, took her coat and offered a pair of slippers to her mother-in-law. Suddenly, Emilys smile faded into a look of unease.
Mary walked into the sitting room to join the other guests, and Emily nodded towards the floor. William followed her eyes and saw it toodamp marks across the wooden boards. The two exchanged a knowing glance, but chose to let the matter lie for now.
William and Emily had wonderful news to celebrate; only a short while ago, theyd welcomed twins into the world. Now that the babies were a bit bigger, theyd decided to gather close family for a small celebration.
Mary, retired these past few years, had brought the infants lovingly knitted jumpers and hats shed made herself, as she had hardly enough money to buy them anything from the shops. Shed been reluctant to visit for that very reason, saying shed come another time, but her son and daughter-in-law insisted she be part of such a special day.
The boys were named Edward and George. Mary was delighted with the chosen names, for George had been her late husband’s name and Edward her fathers. The family, it seemed, was keeping honour with tradition, and that warmed her heart.
My, arent they handsomeEdward looks the image of you, Emily. And George, he takes after you, William. Oh, honestly, I can hardly tell them apart, they’re as alike as two peas in a pod! Mary bustled around the cot, unable to work out who was who, as the boys truly were identical.
William and Emily only laughed, the grannys joy and slight confusion bringing grins to their faces.
As the evening wore on and the guests left, Mary got ready to say her goodbyes as well. Emily glanced at her husband, and William spoke up, Mum, why dont you stay the night? Its already getting late, and you might miss the last bus. Besides, you can lend Emily a hand with the little onestheyll need their evening bath and to be tucked in tonight.
If you insist, dear, Mary replied, smiling.
She helped her daughter-in-law clear the table, wash the dishes, and put everything away neatly. Then, together, the three of them bathed the twins. Marys eyes sparkled with happiness. Emily placed one of the babies carefully into her arms, but Mary worried, saying the little one was so tiny she was afraid he might slip from her grasp.
Now, Mum, Emily chuckled, you managed to raise Williamnever dropped him a single time!
Oh, that was ages ago. I think Ive forgotten how to hold a baby, Mary fussed nervously.
Emily gently gave her little Edward, and as soon as he was nestled in his grandmothers arms, he drifted off to sleep, safe and secure. Emily herself rocked George, humming softly.
That night, they set Mary up in the spare room so she could get a proper rest, but sleep didnt come easily. She lay quietly, listening for any small whimpers from Edward or George. By morning, her vigilance had worn her out and she at last drifted away into a deep slumber.
When she woke, Emily had already prepared breakfast and the babies were still sleeping.
Wheres William? asked Mary, surprised to see only Emily in the kitchen.
Sit down, Mum, have some tea. William wont be long, Emily reassured her.
A few minutes later, William arrived home, carrying a rather large box.
This is for you, Mum. Open it, he said, grinning.
Mary opened the box and found a beautiful new pair of boots. She was so taken aback, she was momentarily speechless.
My dears, they must have cost a fortune. I couldnt possibly accept such a gift! Mary nearly wept.
Theyre not more precious than you, Mum. Go on, try them on. Wear them in good health, said William with a gentle smile.
Mary slipped the boots on and marveled at how perfectly they fit. She wondered quietly how her children had known just how much she needed new shoes; her old boots had split and were now quite beyond repair, but shed had nowhere near enough money to buy replacements.
Suddenly one of the twins cried out, and Granny, in her fresh new boots, dashed to their side.
Youre such a gem, thank you, William whispered to Emily. If it werent for you, Id never have thought of it.
There was nothing to think about, Emily replied, hugging him softly. Yesterday your mother came in with soaked feet. I looked at the damp footprints, saw her worn old boots by the door, and knew at once. Three hundred pounds is a lot for us, but well manage. For your mother, it would have been impossible. Let her wear them and feel loved.
And so Mary felt a wonderful warmth inside herperhaps it was the new boots, or perhaps, even more so, it was the feeling that she was still dear, and truly needed, by her family.
