Claire, we have to do something… sighed Sarah into the receiver.
Whats happened? her younger sister asked, a hint of worry in her voice.
Sarah rarely calledmost of their conversations were quick, casual messages. For her to insist on a phone call… well, it couldnt be good.
Mum cant live on her own anymore. If you spoke to her more often, youd know, Sarah said reproachfully.
Oh, please! Dont start. Just get to the point. What am I missing? Claire shot back, bracing herself.
Sarah exhaled deeply. Claires independence had become a point of pride, making honest conversations difficult; shed take any suggestion as a slight.
Im reminding you Mum is 73. Her blood pressure is all over the place, shes always feeling weak. She can barely cook or keep the house together anymore, Sarah listed patiently. Im not even talking about her going out for groceriesshe cant always even manage that. Thank goodness Mrs. Jennings, the neighbour, pops round and helps.
Youre not saying shes starving, are you? Claires tone grew sharp.
Of course not! I visit every fortnight and bring whats needed. Thats not the point. She cant properly manage on her own anymore. If she were to fall, it would be near impossible to care for her. And with her health… Sarah trailed off.
The sisters went silent.
Eleanor had always been on the plump side, and over the years shed gained more weight. She enjoyed her food, and hints about dieting were always met with indignation.
She gets terribly lonely as well. Near tears when I leave. Says shes been abandoned, Sarah continued. Its unbearable, really.
So, what are you suggesting? Claires tone was defensive.
Sarah hesitated. Conversations with Claire had grown harder over the years.
I think you should move in with her.
Well, thats just lovely, isnt it? Why dont you move in yourself? Oh, let me guess! Youve got Eddieyour golden husbandand your stepson, Jamie, that poor little 25-year-old man-child to look after, right?
Claire, is that necessary?
It absolutely is! You always make the decisions for everyone! As if I dont matter to you at all! Claires voice rose.
Sarah felt anger bubbling up as well. When Mum was running herself ragged between caring for Dad and helping you and Mia? Coming in from the village with groceries and looking after Mia so you, darling daughter, could work and rest! You never had a problem accepting her help then, did you?
Claire went quiet. It was true. When her brief marriage to Mias father had ended, her former mother-in-lawcharming as she wasallowed Claire and Mia to stay in her flat until Mia came of age. But she was never warm with her granddaughter, and Mias father only paid a pittance in child support. Claire spent years running herself ragged, just to keep them afloat.
Her parents help had been a lifeline then, but how long must Sarah keep throwing it in her face?
When her former mother-in-law did finally ask them to leave, Mia was already off to college. Claire took that as her chance to change her life and moved to London in search of better wages.
Shed been living in a rented flat in the suburbs for several years, picking up work where she could. After forty, decent jobs were hard-won. But shed come to terms with her life and wasnt about to go back to the countryside.
As if you have any idea what its like raising a child alone! she snapped back, knowing it was a low blow. Try living my life, then come lecturing me!
Now it was Sarahs turn to fall silent.
Her own life had started off well enough. Shed stayed in the regional town after university, gotten a job in accounting, and set her sights on marriage.
But good husbands had proved elusiveshe was always meeting drunks, mummys boys, or freeloaders. Only at thirty-nine did she meet Eddie, three years her senior, a widower with a ten-year-old son, Jamie.
Eddie worked as an electrician for a property company and could fix just about anythinghandy for all the delicate city-dwellers. He was sober, reserved, fussy to the point of obsession, but Sarah had fallen hopelessly in love. Theyd married after a year, and she dedicated herself to Eddie and Jamie. She longed for her own child, but it wasnt to be, so husband and stepson became the centre of her world.
The thought of losing themof uprooting her lifewas unbearable.
I wanted to bring Mum to live with us, Sarah said hoarsely. But she wont even hear of it.
Oh, what, and your precious Eddie is alright with his mother-in-law moving into your two-bed flat? Or did you even ask him? Or did you hope Mum would refuse and spare you the trouble?
Claire! Enough! Can we be serious, just for once?
Weve talked enough, Claire muttered, hanging up.
Indeed, that was enough.
Sarah stared at her phone, deep in thought. How perfect it would be if Claire could move in with their mum. Sarah could help financially, visit often. And Claire could find remote workthe village even had decent internet these days.
But Claire was determined not to make Sarahs life easier. She was as headstrong now as shed been as a child. There was no way to force her.
Mum says she doesnt need any help and you should stop turning this into a circus, Claire messaged the next day.
Sarah didnt bother replying. What was the use? Claire barely phoned their mother once a month, sent a text here and there. Mum never complained to Claireshe didnt want to upset her. But with Sarah, she could unburden herself weekly, leaving her eldest sleepless at night.
Even Eddie, normally oblivious to Sarahs moods, had begun to ask if something was wrong. She hadnt told himwhy trouble him with her problems? Now, she was completely at a loss.
A carer cost more than they could afford.
Right. Enoughs enough. Eddie set his mug of tea on the table with a thud. Youve not been yourself for months. Tell me whats going on.
Sarah burst into tears but quickly composed herselfmen dont cope well with cryingand explained as succinctly as possible.
Why didnt you say anything about your mums health? Eddie asked, staring.
I… didnt want to worry you, she muttered, looking away.
She immediately regretted burdening him. This wasnt his problem.
I see, Eddie stood up. Thanks for dinner. Im off to bed.
He didnt even watch the news, as he usually did. What was going to happen now?
Sarah tossed and turned all night, slept through her alarm. Saturday meant no work, but she always served Eddie breakfast at the same time. Another thing to feel guilty over.
But when she entered the kitchen, Eddie was calmly drinking tea, reading something intently on his phone.
Awake? he looked up, his face serious, voice calm.
Yeah, Eddie! Ill get started, give me a minute.
Sit down. We need to talk.
Nervously, Sarah settled herself.
I was thinking it over. We need to help your mum. Leaving old folk to fend for themselves is wrong. My mum didnt make it to old age, sadly… Ive looked into itwell move in with her. I can work for the local farmer, and youll find something to do.
Sarah nearly slid off her chair.
Eddie… Are you sure?
Absolutely. Or did you think Id forgotten how your mum fussed over Jamie during the holidays, and treated me like royalty? No. My memorys not that short. Besides, Ive wanted to live in the countryside for ages. That is, if your mums happy with it.
Sarah stared at her husband, astonished. Shed never expected this from her steady, undemonstrative Eddie. Was she dreaming?
And Jamie? she asked, uncertain.
What about him? Eddie grinned. Hes a strapping lad, with a job and a degree. Hell be chuffed to have the flat to himself.
Eddie! Sarah flung her arms around him, forgetting he frowned on such displays. He didnt push her away, just patted her shoulder.
Its alright. Everythings going to work out.
She truly hoped he was right.
Sometimes, help comes from where you least expect it. Real strength is shown not by running from those in need, but by being willing to take on change and care for the ones who cared for you.
