Dear Diary,
Today Evelyn burst with delight when she saw me arrive. I pushed my battered flat cap against the doorframe and called out, Hey mum, Im not alone. I nudged forward a skinny lad with spectacles and a backpack slung over his shoulders.
What on earth, dear, is that? Is it Jack or Harry? I cant tell without my glasses, Evelyn exclaimed, pulling up a chair for me. I sat down and said, Here, put this on. This is Victor, my outsidethemarriage son. Remember when Zoe and I took a years break? I got together with Valentina, and Victor was the result. I foolishly put his name on the birth register myself, I sighed.
Evelyn snapped at me, Why are you talking about a child in front of him? Hes still too young to know about your tangled life. Victor, go into the sittingroom and watch television while we sort things out with your father. The boy slipped out silently.
I whispered to Evelyn, Does Primrose know about him? She replied, She never liked my sons wifeshe was a quarrelsome, meddlesome woman. I shivered, Mother, if she found out shed have thrown me out of the house long ago. I built him from the ground up with my own hands. Evelyn sighed, Youre such a reckless fool. Not a man, but a scoundrel, always under Primroses heel. How could you bring a child into this mess? When Primrose learns, I wont be safe.
Nervously I tried to explain, Valentina, shes a wild one, decided to marry a new chap and fled south for a month. She called me, said I could take the boy wherever I wanted, even home. I told her Id lost my mindmy wife would throw us both out. She threatened to make things hard for me unless I brought Victor a birth certificate and sorted it myself. That was the end of it for me. Valentina barely forgave me; she didnt speak to me for six months. So I thought Id let him stay with you for a month, then Id come back for him, I blurted, avoiding her eyes.
Evelyn shook her head, Youve been that way since childhood, and you still are. If anything goes wrong, Ill help you. Fine, where shall we put him? Hes not of our sort, she hesitated, Is he really yours? I waved my hand, Hes mine, no doubt. Valentina isnt a saint, but Im a loyal old woman.
We fell silent. Evelyn sprang up, What am I doing standing here? Lets at least feed him before he goes. I got to my feet, Sorry, Mum, but I have to be off. Zoes waiting at home. Ive told her Im heading to the city for spare parts. Feed Victor, and Ill be on my way. Evelyn embraced her wayward son and whispered, God be with you, my dear.
Victor ate quickly, eyes glued to the plate. More? Evelyn asked with concern, seeing how fast he cleared the bowl. No, thank you, he replied, standing up. Go outside for a walk while I finish dinner. Whats in your backpack? she asked. Stuff, he muttered. Evelyn nodded, Will you wash it yourself or shall I?
He looked at her with frightened eyes, I dont know how. Mum always washed my clothes. Evelyn lifted his small knapsack, Alright, go on. Ill rinse whats dirty. He left, and she began sorting his modest belongings: two Tshirts, a pair of shorts and a few underpants. Not much, she mused, no warm sweater either. Guess his mother still loves him. She soaked the clothes in a basin and turned to a cherrytopped pie.
A shout came from the street. Evelyn rushed out, flour still on her hands. Whats happened? Victor wailed, clutching his leg. A goose nip me! It hurts! Tears streamed from his eyes. Why were you near the geese? Theyre over there grazing, yet you were in the yard, she asked, noticing a red bruise. I just wanted to look at them, he sniffed. You never saw geese before? she wondered. I have, but never got close, he whispered.
She soothed, Come inside, Ill put some ointment on it. After dinner she placed him on the sofa and lay awake, thinking of how life had turned out. She never would have sent her own grandson to a strangers house. The old days felt like a whirlwind of regrets. Then she heard a soft sobbing, the sound of a boy crying. She leaned close, Whats wrong, love? Dont like me? She promised, Give it a month, and your mother will bring you back. He sat up, whispering, She wont. I heard Uncle Victor say theyll send me to a boarding school when they arrive, only fetching me on holidays. I dont want that. I liked it at home with Mum. Uncle Victor doesnt even call me by my name. Youre kind, Grandma, but Im not needed. The boy broke down harder.
Evelyns heart clenched. She hugged his thin frame, Dont cry, dear Victor. I wont let you be hurt. Shall I speak to your mother and keep you here? We have a good school and nice teachers. Well go mushroompicking, berrypicking, milk the cow. Youre small now, but a good dose of fresh milk will make you strong. Dont believe me? Tomorrow Ill introduce you to Paul, a hearty lad as round as a bun. Want that?
He wrapped his arms around her neck, I do. Will you keep your word? Evelyn kissed his forehead gently, Of course I will.
Years passed. Valerie would drop by occasionally with parcels, always hurried off by Uncle Victor. Nicholas turned up now and then. Zoe learned about Victor and blamed Evelyn, saying she didnt want grandchildren, only a few trinkets. Evelyn didnt mind. The frail boy grew into a sturdy young man. This morning she prepared his favourite breakfast and kept glancing out the window. A young soldier entered the house and called softly, Grandma, Im here, where are you? She rushed to him, clinging his neck, Victor, my dear grandson! She asked, Are you going back to mother? He set down his fork, surprised, Which mother? The one who abandoned me and only visited once a year with cheap toys? No, I wont go. You are my mother, and thats not up for discussion. He resumed eating calmly.
Evelyn wiped away a tear, grateful for the grandson who now gave her comfort in old age. He was my blood, my kin.
Lesson: No matter how tangled the past, love and responsibility can stitch a new, stronger fabric for the generations that follow.
