Mother, Dads taken the money again, Mick whispered, peering from behind the kitchen door.
Laura sprang to the wardrobe, pulled out the loose notes shed hidden among old coats, and counted them. She was short two hundred pounds. Not a fortune, but it was what she kept for firewood, and Stanley knew exactly where every penny wentexcept the coins that should have been in the piggy bank.
She folded the cash, tucked it under the rug in the childrens bedroom, and called, Dinners ready! She ladled soup into each bowl, poured tea, and set two biscuits before every plate.
Mum, why dont you have a biscuit? Mick asked, looking up solemnly.
First, Im not fond of sweets, and second, Im watching my figure, Laura replied.
Mick smiled. Youre beautiful even without a biscuit.
She laughed. Eat up, you lot!
After the meal Laura washed the dishes, then slipped into the kids room. Mick was reading a fairytale to Sophie, while Ian was scribbling in his sketchbook.
Ten minutes to finish whatever youre doing, then its bedtime, she said, planting a kiss on each forehead before leaving. Ive got to stitch Ians jacket; hes had a row at school, and then I can finally get some rest.
She pulled out needle and thread.
Ten years earlier shed married Stanley at eighteen, naïve and full of hope. He was charming, spending money as if it were endless. Laura, fooled by his swagger, believed he could earn a living for them both. Only after the wedding did she discover he had squandered the proceeds from the flat his parents had given him.
What, you still have a place to live? she had asked.
Why would I? Youve got that big flat, hed shrugged.
Its absurd, Laura thought. Someone cant be that reckless.
When Mick and Ian arrived, Stanley managed a short stint at a factory, but it didnt last. Within two years he was back hunting for work, never finding a job that suited his expectations.
Then Sophie was born. Laura had always dreamed of a big family, but with a newborn she realised that without careful budgeting they would soon be hungry. She decided to rent out their city flat and move to the countryside, into a longabandoned cottage her aunt had left her.
Stanley took the suggestion badly.
No, go on, he snarled. Stay here if you like. Im happy in the city.
Lauras temper flared. You can stay, just not in this cottage. New tenants move in tomorrow.
Youre losing your mind, Stanley retorted. Who are the tenants?
Its my flat, Stanley. Im asking you, not the other way round.
Sniffing, Stanley finally packed his bags and left for the village.
He spent half a year looking for work among farms and a local sawmill, but nothing suited him. He kept courting any girl he could find, hoping to forget his troubles.
Lauras friend Claire, who worked at the local post office, often warned her that Stanley was drifting. Maybe hell settle down with a young lady, shed say, shaking her head.
Who needs him when we have three kids? Laura replied, though she knew life would be easier without his erratic presence.
One evening a loud bang echoed at the door. A stranger in a thick coat slipped off his jacket and sat at the kitchen table while Laura continued sewing.
Whats this? Youre home to feed me? he asked, eyes fixed on the halffinished jacket.
Its you who took the money, Stan, Laura snapped. What do you expect?
Stanley stared, bewildered. So Im supposed to starve?
You can have dinner, but only what you bought yourself, Laura said. I need firewood, and Ians jacket is torn.
Youre telling me I should go to bed hungry? Stanley blurted.
Laura shrugged. Do as you will. She turned her back, and Stanley, after a long pause, grabbed his coat and vanished into the night, muttering, Youll regret this!
Ten years rolled by, and Stanley remained forever twentysomething in Lauras memoryalways handsome, always absent. She looked at her calloused hands, her short nails, the rough skin that winter had hardened. She had learned to milk cows for a living, a job shed never imagined for herself, but it paid the bills.
Her favourite pastime, painting, lay abandoned on the easel by the hearth. Her children watched her every brushstroke, waiting for the picture to be finished. She sighed, covered the canvas with a sheet, and went to bed.
The next morning she entered the house to find two large suitcases standing in the middle of the sitting room, the children seated calmly on the sofa, and Stanley perched on a chair, looking as smug as ever.
Well, look whos back, he sneered. Now youll have to bite your own elbow. Youve left the kids fatherless because of your terrible temper!
Laura felt a sudden lightness. Has anyone ever been dumber than me? she asked, smiling.
Stanley flushed with anger, grabbed the suitcases, and lunged for the door. He stumbled on the old floorboard hed been warned about a hundred times and crashed spectacularly. The window panes rattled.
Sophie leaned toward her mother, Mum, is Dad never coming back?
Probably not, love, Laura replied.
The girl thought a moment, then asked, Will anyone ever eat my sweets again?
Now they wont, Laura said, feeling oddly relieved.
The next day Laura learned Stanley had left the village for good. The air felt cleaner without his presence, and she didnt care where he might end up in the city.
A week later, Laura grew uneasy. The post had not arrived for two days, and the phone rang unanswered. She was about to drive into town for a day off when Mick called, Mum, someones broken down just outside our garden.
Laura peered through the frosted window. A car sat by the kerb, its engine sputtering, while a shivering man stood nearby, his breath forming clouds.
He cant start it, Mick reported. Should we get him some tea?
Of course, lad. Bring him in.
Within minutes a thirtyfiveyearold stranger entered, rubbing his cold lips. Thank you, he whispered. Im Max. My car wont move and Im freezing.
Laura offered him a seat and a cup of tea. Max glanced at the children, who watched him with wide eyes.
Youre young. All yours? he asked.
Yes, my own, Laura answered.
Dreamed of a big family once, Max said. Never happened. My wife didnt want children, and we split.
He sipped his tea when his phone rang. What? An tow truck? They say the storm will keep them out till morning.
Dont worry, Laura said. You can stay on the couch tonight. Well sort it out in the morning.
Your husband? Max asked, puzzled.
My husbands gone, she replied. But we manage.
Max stared, his mouth opening in surprise. You mean youve three kids and no husband?
Yes, Laura said, nodding. Were fine.
That night Max woke to a soft rustle. Sophie slipped a candy under his pillow, her eyes bright. He felt a lump in his throat, realizing how sweet little gestures could mean the world to a family that had so little.
The next morning Max helped Laura carry firewood, and he promised to return with a replacement part for his car. Two days later, his uncles old pickup rolled into the village, and Max waved triumphantly. He brought a vintage gaming console for Mick and a couple of parcels of gifts.
When he stepped into Lauras cottage, she was no longer alone. Claire stood by the door, smiling.
Max, I cant offer you tea, but Ill get you a drink before the bus, Claire said, wiping her hands on an apron.
Are you heading into town? Max asked.
Yes, Laura replied. Im going to the market. Do you want to come?
Of course, Max answered. Itll be good to have some company.
They walked together, and Laura explained why shed travelled to townshed been looking at a plot of land a neighbour offered to sell. Max listened, offering support.
They reached Lauras front door. She fidgeted with the key, surprised that she hadnt called before. Inside, the hallway was littered with Stanleys old shoes, a pair of womens heels, and Stanley himself, wrapped in a towel, clutching a bottle of champagne.
Laura? Where have you been? he slurred.
The tenants have left, Stanley. This is my house now, Laura said, calm.
Your house? he laughed.
Its yours and mine, she replied.
Stanley stared, bewildered. Youve lived with me ten years! I have no room of my own!
Laura stepped into the living room. A young woman in a dress appeared from the bedroom.
Stanley! Who are you? she asked, eyes wide.
Laura handed her a dress. Take your things and go, she said firmly. And take Stanley with you.
What? This is Stanleys flat! He tricked me! the woman shouted.
Stanley, embarrassed, tried to protest, but Max, standing beside Laura, stepped forward.
Securitys here, mate. Youve got five minutes to pack, then Im calling the police, Max said, his voice steady.
Laura moved to the kitchen, grateful for Maxs help. He dialed a number, confirming the address that would soon have new locks.
Thank you, Max, she said, eyes shining. I dont know what Id have done without you.
Remember, Laura, we said wed speak on first names, Max replied.
She blushed, nodding. Sorry, I forgot.
Three years later Laura and Claire sat with tea, watching the childrens portraits on the mantel.
Your house turned out well, didnt it? Claire asked. Stanley finally knocked it down.
Yes, Laura smiled. Max helped us through everything.
Claire glanced at the canvas Laura had finally finished. Can you paint me too?
Of course, Laura replied, laughing. I have plenty of time now.
Max entered the room, hands full of gifts. He placed a small wooden toy on Ians lap and a sketchbook for Mick.
Laura, Ive been thinking, Max said, eyes warm. I want a boy and a girl someday. A big family, just like yours.
Laura reached out, squeezing his hand. We all find our own ways, Max. Some families start with love, not money.
And as the fire crackled, Laura whispered to herself, True wealth isnt counted in pounds or pennies, but in the honesty we keep and the love we share.
