Nan, I need a favour, Tom blurted out, glancing at the floor. I really need some money. Quite a lot.
Hed dropped by in the evening, looking every bit as jittery as a squirrel at a dog park. Usually, Tom popped in a couple of times a week to see Edith Green, his grandmother. Hed do her shopping, take out her rubbish, even managed to fix her old sofa once (a family heirloom only because nobody could actually lift it out the door). Tom was always relaxed, confident; tonight he looked as if hed just witnessed a particularly harrowing episode of EastEnders.
Edith, ever the cautious soul, braced herself. The world, after all, wasnt getting any less complicated.
Tom, love, she asked keeping her voice as calm as possible, can I ask what you need it for? And how much is a lot? She already felt her stomach twisting.
Tom was her eldest grandson. Big-hearted lad, always kind. Finished school the previous year, balancing work and part-time university studies. His parents never had a bad word about him to say well, apart from the messy bedroom incident of 2022. But why did he need so much money?
I cant really tell you right now, Tom stammered, but I promise Ill pay you back. Just not straight away. Little by little.
Edith pursed her lips. You know Im living on my pension now so, how much are we talking?
Two thousand pounds.
For a moment, the ancient grandfather clock was the only thing making noise.
Why not ask your parents? Edith asked, already knowing the answer. Her son-in-law Toms dad believed in tough love. Kids had to solve their own problems and keep their noses out of other peoples business. Life lessons, apparently.
They wont help, Tom muttered, confirming her suspicion.
Panic zipped through Ediths head. Had Tom got into some trouble? Would giving him the money make it worse? Then again, refusing could leave him in a stickier mess. She scrutinised his anxious face.
Nan, please dont worry. Its nothing bad, Tom said hurriedly, reading her expression like a book. Ill pay it back in three months, I promise! Dont you trust me?
She sighed. Maybe she should lend the money. Even if he didnt return it, surely there should be at least one person in this world he could rely on. People needed to believe in each other. She had those savings set aside for a rainy dayperhaps the clouds had finally burst. Hed come to her, after all. Funerals could wait; living folks needed help first. Besides, didnt she always believe in trusting family?
They do say, when you lend money, prepare to kiss it goodbye. Young people these days, its hard to know whats going on in their heads. But Tom had never let her down.
All right, Edith said. Ill lend you the money for three months. But wouldnt it be better if your parents knew?
He shook his head quickly. Nan, you know I love you and I always keep my word. If you cant do it, Ill try and get a loan from the bank. I am working, after all.
The next morning, Edith shuffled over to Lloyds, withdrew the cash, and handed it over to Tom.
His grin couldve powered half of London. He kissed her on the cheek and beamed, Thank you, Nan, youre my favourite person. Ill pay you backpromise! And like the wind, he was off.
Edith poured herself a strong cup of tea and pondered. Wasnt it always the way? Throughout her life, thered been desperate moments when she needed an extra few quid, and somehow, someone always came through. Times had changed; people kept to themselves more these days. Oh, these complicated times
Tom popped in a week later, absolutely chipper.
Nan, heres some of the money I got paid early! Can I bring someone round tomorrow, if thats alright?
Of course, dear. Ill bake your favourite poppy seed cake, Edith smiled. Maybe shed finally find out what this was all about. Shed been hoping Tom wasnt tangled up in something dodgy.
That evening, Tom returned with a slight, nervous-looking young woman.
Nan, this is Rebecca. Rebecca, meet my brilliant nan, Edith Green.
Rebecca offered a shy smile. Hello, Mrs Green. Thank you ever so much.
Come in, come in, Edith said, breathing a silent sigh of relief. Rebecca seemed sweet.
They sat, eating cake and sipping tea, all very civilised.
Nan, I couldnt say before, Tom began, but Rebeccas mum was suddenly very unwell, and there was nobody to help. Rebeccas a bit superstitious, so she made me swear not to tell anyone why I needed the money, in case it brought bad luck. But its all worked out her mum had the op and shes much better now. Tom squeezed Rebeccas hand fondly. Isnt that right?
Rebecca sniffled, blinking back tears. Thank you, Mrs Green. Youre so kind. I truly mean it.
Oi, Becky, no tears, Tom laughed, getting up. Nan, we should be off its getting late.
Right you are, kids. Goodnight, both of you. I hope everything continues on the up, Edith said, waving them off.
Her grandson was growing up. Edith smiled, proud shed trusted him. It wasnt just about the money theyd ended up closer for it.
Two months later, Tom returned every penny, bubbling over with gratitude.
You wouldnt believe it, Nanthe doctor said we just managed to catch it in time. If you hadnt helped us then, things couldve turned out much worse. Thank you, Nan. You know, I had no idea what to do, but now I really do believe that therell always be someone willing to help when youre in a fix. Id do anything for you, you know youre the best nan ever!
Edith ruffled his hair, just like when he was little. Off you go then. And next time, bring Rebecca Ill bake something nice!
Will do, Nan! Tom hugged her tight.
Edith closed the door softly behind him, remembering her own grandmothers words: Always lend a hand to your own, love. Weve always done it that way here. If you face the world with a good heart, your family will never turn their back. Dont ever forget it.
Classic advice, still true in England.
