The boy woke to the sounds of his mother groaning.
He padded softly to her bedside.
Mum, are you in pain?
Charlie, could you bring me some water?
Yes, of course, he said, hurrying to the kitchen.
He quickly returned with a full mug.
Here you go, Mum. Drink some.
Then came a knock at the door.
Charlie, would you mind answering that? Its probably Granny Nora.
Their neighbour stepped in, holding a large mug herself.
How are you, Mary? Nora placed a hand on her forehead. Youve got a fever. Ive brought you some hot milk and butter.
Ive already taken my medicine, Mary replied weakly.
You ought to be in hospital, with proper care and good meals. Theres nothing left in that fridge of yours.
Aunt Nora, Ive spent everything I had on pills, Mary said, tears welling in her tired eyes, and nothing helps.
You must admit yourself to hospital.
But what about Charlie?
What about him if you die? Youre not even thirty, Maryno husband, no money, Nora gently stroked her hair. There now, dont cry.
Oh Aunt Nora, what am I supposed to do?
Well, Im calling the doctor, the neighbour declared, pulling out her phone.
She made the call and found out what she needed.
Theyll come sometime today. When they arrive, bring Charlie to see me.
Nora slipped into the hallway, Charlie following her out.
Granny Nora, Mums not going to die, is she?
I dont know, love. Youll need to ask God to helpyour mum doesnt believe in Him.
Is Granddad God going to help us? Hope glimmered in Charlies eyes.
Youll need to go to church, light a candle, and ask Him. Then Hell help. I must be off now.
***
Charlie returned to his mum, deep in thought.
Charlie, you must be hungry. Theres nothing to eat, though. Bring two glasses, would you?
When he brought them, Mary poured milk for each of them.
Drink up.
He did, but it only made him hungrier. Mary noticed at once. She painstakingly got up and reached for her purse.
Heres a pound, darling. Pop to the bakers and treat yourself to a couple of buns on your way home. Ill see what I can rustle up here. Go on!
She saw him to the door, leaning against the wall for support, and headed to the kitchen. All she found in the fridge were a tin of cheap sardines, some margarine, and on the windowsill, two potatoes and an onion.
I suppose Ill make soup
Her head swam with fatigue, and she slumped on the stool, exhausted.
Whats happening to me? Theres just no strength left. Half my leaves gone already. The moneys all spent. If I dont get back to work, how will I send Charlie to school? He starts Year One next month. No family to help, and this blasted illness still hanging over me. I shouldve gone straight to the doctor, not waited. If they admit me, what will Charlie do? Who will look after him?
With great effort, she peeled the potatoes.
***
Charlie was terribly hungry. But his thoughts were elsewhere.
Mum didnt get out of bed at all yesterday. What if she really does die? Aunt Nora said I must ask Granddad God to help, he decided, and changed direction, heading towards the church.
***
Back from war for half a year now. Still cant believe I survived.
Edward made his way towards the old church, leaning heavily on his stick. He paid little attention to the scars criss-crossing his body. The ones on his face? Well, no point in caring now. Hed never marry with a mug like this, he thought. Hed gone to the army twenty years ago and returned a civilian, pension enough for a decent living, and a tidy Army lump sum still sitting in the bank. But when youre alone, whats it all worth?
He spotted the beggars outside the church, pulled out a handful of crisp twenty-pound notes, handed them over, and said,
Please say a prayer for my mates, Simon and Jack, who didnt make it home.
Inside, he bought candles, lit them, and began to recite the prayer the vicar had once taught him:
Remember, O Lord our God
Each word conjured up the faces of his old friends, alive in his memory. Finished, he stood quietly, reflecting on the winding road of his life.
A little, thin boy stood by his side, awkwardly clutching a cheap candle, clearly lost. An elderly lady came over.
Let me help you, dear.
She lit his candle and set it on the stand.
Cross yourself as I do, she showed him, and tell the Lord why youve come.
Charlie gazed at the image and finally whispered,
Please help us, Granddad God. My mum is sick. I dont have anyone else. Please make her better. She cant buy her medicine, and Im due to start school soon, but I dont even have a rucksack
Edward watched the boy, frozen in place. All his own troubles, which had seemed so immense ten minutes ago, shrank away. He wanted to shout to the world:
Hasnt anyone thought to help this boyto buy his mum medicine, or get him a bag for school?
Charlie waited for a miracle.
Come along, lad! Edward declared.
Where? Charlie eyed the scary man with a stick warily.
Well find out what medicine your mum needs and get it from the chemist.
Are you serious?
Granddad God heard your prayer and told me to help.
Really? The boys eyes sparkled as he glanced up at the image.
Off we go then, Edward smiled. Whats your name?
Charlie.
Call me Uncle Edward.
***
Mary and Noras voices drifted out from the flat.
Shes written out a load of prescriptions, but the medicines expensive. Ive only got a fiver left for heavens sake, what am I meant to do?
Charlie opened the door confidently. All conversation stopped. Nora peered nervously at the stranger beside him.
Mary, look!
Mary came out and froze.
Mum, which medicine do you need? Uncle Edward and I are going to the chemist to get it.
And you are? Mary asked in surprise.
Everything will be fine, Edward smiled, just pass me your prescriptions.
But Ive only got five pounds.
Well sort that, right Charlie? The man placed a reassuring hand on the boys shoulder.
Mum, the prescriptions please!
Mary gave them over, somehow sensing the kindness beneath the mans battered features.
Mary, are you mad letting them go? You dont know him! Nora whispered as they headed out.
Aunt Nora, I think hes a good man!
Well suit yourself, Mary. Ill be off then.
***
Mary sat anxiously, waiting for her son and the stranger. She almost forgot about her illness.
Soon, the door swung open. Charlie rushed in, beaming.
Mum! We got you the medicine, and loads of treats for with your tea!
Edward stood in the doorway, grinning as happily as any child, and suddenly, his face didnt seem frightening at all.
Thank you! Mary said with a small bow. Please, come in, do come in!
Edward struggled to get his shoes off but eventually managed, flustered. He followed into the kitchen.
Take a seat, Mary said.
He sat, unsure where to put his stick.
Ill find somewhere for it, Mary said, putting it within reach. Sorry, but I havent got much to offer.
Mum, Uncle Edward helped me with the shopping! Charlie declared, starting to lay treats onto the table.
Oh, you shouldnt have! Mary fussed, noting half the bags were unnecessary sweets. She spotted a packet of proper tea and put the kettle on at once.
Suddenly, it felt like her illness was liftingor maybe she simply didnt want to seem so unwell before Edward.
Seeing her pale face, Edward asked gently,
Are you sure youre alright, Mary?
Ill be fine. Ill take the tablets in a minute. Thank you, thank you so much!
***
They sipped fragrant tea and nibbled biscuits, listening to Charlies animated chatter. Their eyes met sometimesquiet understanding between them. For the first time in ages, it felt like a family at the table.
But all good things must end.
Thank you, Edward said, getting to his feet and reaching for his stick. Id better get going. You need your rest, Mary.
Oh, thank you! She rose too. I dont even know how to thank you.
He moved towards the door, Mary and Charlie behind.
Uncle Edward, will you visit again? Charlie asked, hope in his voice.
Of course I will! Once your mums better, well go buy you that rucksack together.
***
Edward left. Mary tidied the table, washed up.
Go and have a watch of the telly, love. Im going to have a little rest.
She lay down and slept soundly.
***
Two weeks went by. Marys illness was gonethe expensive medicine had clearly worked. Shed even been called back in to finish work early, as end-of-the-month rushes meant overtime and extra pay. It was already August; her first pay packet would go straight to Charlies school kit.
That Saturday morning, they woke as usual and ate breakfast.
Charlie, get ready! Were off shopping. Lets see what we need for school.
Have you got the money?
Not yet, but Ill get my wages next week. Ive borrowed a tenner; well get some basics today.
They began getting ready when the intercom buzzed.
Whos there? Mary called.
Maryits Edward
Before he could say more, Mary had already pressed the entry button.
Mum, whos that? Charlie came out.
Its Uncle Edward. She could barely hide her delight.
Hooray!
Edward came in, walking stick in handbut he was so changed! Smart trousers, clean shirt, stylish haircut.
Uncle Edward, I waited for you! Charlie dashed to him.
I promised you, didnt I? Hello, Mary.
Hello, Edward.
The sudden informality took both by surprise, but felt right.
Already got your coats on? Right, lets go.
Where? Mary still felt bewildered.
Charlies starting school soon.
But Edward, I
I promised the boy, and a promise is a promise.
***
Mary was used to seeking out bargains, whatever shop she entered; shed never had extra cash, help from family, or a husbandunless you counted the college boyfriend whod vanished long ago.
Now, here was a man beside her, enthusiastic over everything for her son, buying it all without a glance at the price tags, but always checking her opinion.
Loaded with shopping, they returned home by taxi.
Mary headed straight for the kitchen.
Mary, Edward called softly. Come onlets all go out for a walk and maybe lunch somewhere!
Mum, please! Charlie ran after her.
***
That night, Mary found it hard to sleep. Memories of the day flitted before her eyesEdwards loving gaze above all. Her mind and heart seemed to argue:
Hes neither handsome nor unscarred, her mind said sharply.
But hes kindand the way he looks at me, her heart replied.
Hes a good fifteen years older than you.
So what? To Charlie, hes like a father.
You could still find a younger, better-looking man.
I dont want looksI had that before. I want someone good and steady.
But you never dreamt of this!
I never knew what I wanted until I met him. I love him.
***
Three months later, their wedding was held in that very church where Edward and Charlie had first met.
Edward and Mary stood at the altar; his stick was gone. Charlie gazed at the saints image, just as he had three months before, and whispered,
Thank you, Granddad God!A warm shaft of light danced through the stained glass, pooling at Charlies feet. He squeezed Marys hand beside him and glanced at Edward, whose eyes shone with quiet joy.
After the vows, familynewly madespilled out onto the church steps. Nora, beaming and dabbing her eyes, bent to fix Charlies tie. As he grinned up at her, she whispered, You see, love? Sometimes a prayer and a little courage bring miracles right to your door.
That evening, in their small, laughter-filled flat, they gathered close at the kitchen table: Mary with her head on Edwards shoulder, Charlie perched between them, already telling a story about his first day at school. Edward chuckled, his scars forgotten, his arms around this family he never dreamed hed find.
Outside, dusk settled softly over the city, but inside, the world glowed bright. Mary looked at Edwardher husband nowand Charlie, and felt her old worries melting away. She knew shed still face hard days, that life wasnt magic. But as Charlie giggled and Edward winked at her over the tea, she realized some prayers are answered not with thunder or lightningbut with a hand held out in kindness, a strangers smile, and a place to belong.
And for the first time in years, Marys heart brimmed overnot with fear, but with hope.
