Hannah had been in bed for days, just too tired to get up. She wasnt in painher head spun and she felt drained, but mostly, she simply saw no reason to move.
Whats the point? she thought, Ive done all Im meant to in this life: raised the kids, said my goodbyes to Mum and Dad. Now theres nothing left for me to do. The years had just slipped by.
She glanced around her room. Bits of cobweb clung in the corners of the ceiling. Out the window, she saw her vegetable patch, now overgrown with weeds. Morning was just beginning, and closing her eyes, Hannah drifted off to sleep.
In her dream, she saw her mother. It was such a shockshed only dreamt of her once before, just after the funeral three years back. Her mum, as gentle as always, reached out, wanting to stroke Hannahs hair, the way she used to. But an invisible wall kept her away.
My sweet girl, her mother said, tomorrows your last day
Hannah jolted awake, shaking.
My last day? Already? Why so soon? she shouted out to nobody in particular.
She imagined the scene: shed be lying lifeless on this very bedkids, relatives, people she knew all arriving The house would be a mess, the garden tangled, nothing to eat. That thought got her moving at once, darting around the house, not sure where to begin.
In the kitchen, she mixed up dough, muttering, Itll rise by this evening. Ill bake some pasties if I make it that far.
She filled a basin, grabbed a rag, and dusted every nook and cranny, tidying up the whole place. She scrubbed the floor until it gleamed.
Right. At least the house is presentable now, she sighed.
Then, the garden. She worked like a woman possessed, not feeling hunger or fatigue, just one thing ringing through her mind: Last day! Last day!
It wasnt until shed cleared the last weed from the final row that her legs finally ached.
Better rest No, no, later, Ill rest later, she thought.
Remembering the dough, Hannah dashed back inside.
Soon enough, the pasties were golden and warm on the table.
The kids will be here tomorrow, have a cup of tea, remember their mum Hannah said, her voice catching as she tasted the fluffy pasties. Oh, these turned out well!
She sat by the window, thinking, Lifes actually quite grand, when you think about it. But there was nothing to do but prepare for the end.
Hannah started going through her things, trying to decide what to wear. She settled on a new dress she’d never found an occasion for. She did up her hair, touched up her face, and slipped into the dress.
Looking in the mirror, she smiled in spite of herself: Stunning! Should be off to a wedding, not well, you know.
Fate being what it is, though Hannah lay down, thinking the end had come. But then the whirr of a car engine sounded outside her window. The car stopped right at her house, horn giving a gentle beep.
Probably someone for next door, Hannah thoughther neighbours had visitors all the time.
A few minutes later, there was a knock, then another. My goodness, is it my kids? She peered out, but the car was unfamiliar.
Blimey, what a motor that is she blurted out, thinking maybe someone lost their way. She went to the door, undid the latch, and opened it.
A man stood on her doorstep, quite smart, looking like he was off to a wedding. Hannah took him in at a glance.
He asked, Are you Hannah?
Yes she answered.
Im here to see you, he said, a little awkward now, Im sorry I took so long to arrive
Is there something you need? Hannah was puzzled.
Yes, actually he hesitated.
Maybe youve got the wrong house.
No, Im here for you. Sorry to turn up unannounced.
Bit late for a visit, she said, keeping her stance in the doorway.
I know, I know, but I misjudged the drive. I got lost, he explained, as if reading the confusion on her face.
Im Simon. I wanted to meet you.
Funny, I had other plans for today, Hannah thought to herself.
How do you know me? she asked, eyebrows raised.
I messaged you on Facebook, but you rarely log on, so I tracked you down another waydont ask howI can explain later. I thought Id come and see you in person.
What am I supposed to do now? Hannah wondered.
Simon, Im sorry, but I dont really meet new people anymore. I dont need anything in my life to change. Youd best head back home.
Youre probably right, he said, I should have called first. Goodbye, Hannah.
He turned on his heel, but halfway to his car, turned to hand her a box of fancy chocolates.
Forgive me, he said, and went back to his car.
Hannah felt awkward and, oddly, sorry for the stranger. Hed been on the road all day; he must be hungry.
Simon, wait. Come inIll at least give you a proper cup of tea.
He grinned, hurrying back. Id love that, Hannah.
Inside, she pointed to the sink. Wash your hands, towels through there.
She poured out tea, set the pasties on the table.
Are you hungry? she asked.
If Im honest, yes.
Help yourself, please. Might as well enjoy it.
Hannah realised she was famished too. She pulled out some more dishesgood thing shed cooked plenty.
Enjoy, they said together, and both chuckled.
For the first time in ages, Hannah ate with real pleasure. She felt so comfortable and at ease with this total stranger. Simon turned out to be good company, and within an hour, it felt like shed known him her whole life.
Hannah, just tell me if you ever need anything. Ill help, he said.
She glanced at his outfit and gave a little smirk.
Help? Oh, yes, plenty to do around here. The sheds lopsided, the back fence is on its last legs
Simon looked thoughtful. Hannah, Ill sort everything, I promise.
He started gathering his things.
Thank you Honestly, it was lovely. I wont ask to stay over, I know thatd be awkward. Goodbye, Hannah.
Goodbye, Simonsafe travels, she said, truly meaning it.
Hannah tidied up, sat for a bit longer, and headed to bedwell, to die, she supposed.
Exhaustion claimed her the moment her head hit the pillow.
That night, her mum was waiting for her in the dream. Darling, why did you run off? You missed the rest. Today was your last lonely day. We know how youve struggled on your own, so we decided to send you an angel. Dont push him awayhell look after you, and you must look after him too.
Look after who, Mum? Your angel fled, saw the work and scarpered
Her mum smiled, made the sign of the cross, and faded into the light.
At first light, Hannah was woken by the noise of a lorry. She peeked out and saw a builders van, loaded with timber, pull up to her gate. Another van followed, with men unloading planks and other supplies.
What on earth? I havent ordered anything Hannah was about to rush out to stop them taking everything off, but spotted Simon directing people where to stack things.
After the work was done and the men left, Hannah came outside, stunned.
Goodness! Thats enough to put up a whole new house!
By lunchtime, another lorry arrived with sheets of corrugated iron and more materials.
Oh, thats for a fence, Hannah realisedit was just like her neighbours new fence, which shed always admired.
The men got stuck in, Simon working among them, not just giving orders but quick with a hammer as well.
Simon, this isnt necessary Hannah tried to argue.
Hannah, honestly, itll all be finego inside, its chilly out here.
She felt utterly lost. Life had taught her not to trust men: shed had two, and neither had stayed the course. Shed always managed alone, and nobody had ever looked out for her. She didnt know how to respond now.
Still, work pressed on. In just a few days, she had a new fence, a rebuilt shed, new floorboards, even the fireplace mended. And still, Hannah couldnt quite believe it, suspecting Simon must want something.
But I havent got much money, she thought. Still, Ill give him what I can.
When Simon came in, tired but clearly pleased, Hannah said, Simon, Im honestly grateful. I dont even know why youve done all this for me
Oh Hannah, come on now, dont mention it, he said.
She offered the cash she had. Take this, its not much, but Ill pay you back whatever I owe.
What are you on about, Hannah? I dont need this, really.
Take itwork should be paid for.
Simon left. A couple of minutes later, Hannah heard his car pulling away.
She ran outside, but he was gone. No sign of him the next day, the day after, or even a week later
She didnt know what to do. A pain she hadnt felt for years gnawed at her heart. She couldnt think of anything or anyone elseshed fallen for him like a schoolgirl.
Whyd I offend Simon? What am I supposed to do without him? she thought, as if theyd known each other forever.
Wandering aimlessly down the lane, she was stopped by her neighbour, Rose, the village gossip.
Hannah, dont let that man get away! Look what hes done for youhes a good one!
He left ages ago, Hannah said, eyes downcast.
Oh, dont be daft, Rose grinned, his vans parked by the turn-off, same as every night.
Where? Really? Hannah asked, hope flaring.
Down at the bend into the village
But Hannah didnt stop to listen furthershe dashed off to look, yet there was no van, no Simon anywhere.
She was winding me up Hannah decided, trudging home.
That night, sleep wouldnt come. She wrapped a blanket around her shoulders and sat out on the porch. The air was cold, and Hannah bundled up, sitting on the step.
Why am I so hopeless and stupid? she said into the quiet, tears streaming as she finally let it all out.
Suddenly, someone scooped her up and kissed her cheeks and lips, wet from crying.
Hannah, please dont cry! Simon pleaded.
Where have you been? Why did you go? she sobbed.
But I never really left, he whispered, I couldnt go anywherebecause I love you.
And I love you toomore than life, she whispered.
Hannah leaned into her angel, sent from above.
Thank you, Mum! she murmured, and this time, she cried from pure happiness.
