Saturday, 6th June
I dont think Ill ever forget today. Everything has changed and I never imagined my own sister would put me in such a situation.
I made myself a cup of teaa comfort, as alwaysand was about to settle in when Emma staggered into my kitchen, heavy-eyed and near tears. She collapsed onto a chair and buried her head in her hands.
Liz, Im at my wits end, she groaned. You have no idea what its like, doing absolutely everything yourself. My backs in bits!
It was so unlike her. Emma usually never lets herself crack. I placed my tea down, studying her. Her hair was thrown up messily, she looked completely worn out.
What happened? I asked quietly.
Its been two years since Tom left. Two years. And its all on meschool runs, homework, ballet lessons, food, cleaning, laundry. I feel like a hamster on a wheel. Everything falls to me. And now Graces turning into a little madamarguing over everything. Snapping back at me
I frowned. My niece Grace, ten, always seemed such an easy childcalm, thoughtful, never rude. The idea of her giving Emma a hard time was a bit hard to picture.
Grace? Snapping? Shes never like that with me
Thats because you see her for two hours a month! Emma threw her hands up. Try explaining every single day that dishes need washing, homework shouldnt be left to last minute, and phones are for emergenciesnot midnight scrolling.
I tried to intervene. Its normal stuff, Em just what kids do.
Normal? Im too tired for ‘normal, she replied bitterly. I slave away at work, then come home and slave again, and she just sits there daydreaming. Im done!
I kept quiet. Part of me wanted to say that so many mums do it alone, many coping with far more than just one child. But I didnt want another row, so I just nodded supportively.
Suddenly, Emma brightened. Youre free this weekend, arent you?
I suppose I am
Will you take Grace? Just for Saturday and Sunday. I need to breathe. I want to see Charlie in Sussex and just relax for a bit.
Of course! Id love to, I replied warmly. Well watch a film together, go for a walk. Ive wanted to have her over for ages.
Emma smiled with real gratitude, rummaging for her phone, ready to ring Grace.
The weekend simply flew by. Grace was wonderful company. We made pizzas from scratchshe insisted on rolling out the dough and arranging the toppings herself. We watched cartoons, sprawled across the sofa, sauntered through Richmond Park and fed the ducks. I didnt spot any backchat or moodiness. She was just a cheerful, caring child.
On Sunday evening I rang Emma, expecting her to collect Grace. It rang for ages before she picked up.
Yes? she sounded distracted.
Are you coming for Grace? Were waiting for you.
There was a long, unnatural silence.
Liz Ive got something to tell you, Emma hesitated. Im not in London.
What do you mean? You said you were seeing Charlie in Sussex, its an hour by train.
Im not in Sussex, she muttered. Im in Spain.
I thought she was joking.
Spain?!
Yes. Flew out yesterday morning. Theres a friend hereIm staying for a month. I need a break. Hope you understand?
I couldnt believe it.
Emma, are you serious? Youve left the country and handed Grace to me for a MONTH? Without warning?
How else could I tell you? Youd have said noof course you would!
Yes! Because its INSANE! I have a job, responsibilities. I cant keep your child for a month! Do you even realise what youve done?
Dont start dramatizing, Liz. You said Grace is easy. Trust me, the month will fly by.
Youre actually mad! Who just abandons their child like this? Youre her mother, Emma!
She went cold. Stop shouting. What can you do? Kick Grace outside? Call social services?
She hung up.
I stayed standing there, clutching my mobile, utterly in shock. My own sister had dropped her daughter on me and jetted off to sun herself abroadwithout so much as a warning or a plan.
Grace poked her head around the sitting room door.
Auntie Liz? Is Mum coming soon?
I took a deep breath. Another. Forced myself to smile somehow.
Come here, sweetheart. Lets talk.
Grace perched on a kitchen stool, swinging her legs. I sat beside her.
Your mums gone away for a bitfor a break, I explained gently. Looks like youll be with me for a while. Is that alright?
She shrugged. Of course.
No tears, no fuss, just quiet acceptance. I couldnt decide if that made me relieved or upset.
Do you have your keys for your flat in that rucksack?
She nodded and handed over a keyring, complete with a little lion charm.
Right, well go and pack your things.
Emmas flat was pristine. I packed up Graces clothes, books, favourite toys. She helped wordlessly, folding each item neatly.
That first week was an interval of adjustment. I changed my work hours, managed a bit of remote working thanks to a kind manager. Grace went to school, came home, we had dinners together.
By the next week, I started to notice something unexpected. Grace began tidying updusting, hoovering, even cleaning the windows.
You really dont need to do that, love.
I want to help, she answered seriously. You let me stay here and feed me. Its only fair.
Then came cooking. She asked to make salad. Her cucumber slices were uneven, her tomatoes chunky, but the effort was so sincere. I made sure to praise her.
Mum never let me cook, Grace admitted, eyes fixed on the chopping board. She always said I wasnt good enough. Was easier to do it herself.
Did you want to cook? I asked softly.
I did. And clean too. But Mum always got cross, she said. She said shed have to redo everything anyway.
I remembered Emmas complaints. She just sits there daydreaming. But Grace had never been given the chance to learn or even make mistakes.
Dad let me, she added quietly. He always said you cant get good without trying.
Do you miss your dad?
She was silent, then nodded.
Mum doesnt let us see him. She says hes horrible. But hes not. Hes nice. He just found it hard with Mum.
I hugged her, fragile and small in my arms.
Emma did not ring. Three weeks passedno calls, no messages asking about Grace. I sent photos, updates. The only replies I got were monosyllabic. Okay. Fine.
One night, a wild thought took root. What happens after the month? Emma sweeps back, collects Grace, and everything reverts. Back to being managed and blamed. Feeling like a burden instead of loved.
The next morning, I dug out Toms numberEmmas ex-husband.
Hello?
Tom, its Liz. Emmas sister.
A pause.
Liz? Is it Grace? Whats happened?
Grace is with me. Emma left for Spain a month ago and just dumped her. No warning.
A long silence.
Hows Grace?
Shes alright. But she misses you.
Can I see her?
Of course.
He was at my door within the hourtall, exhausted-looking, clutching a bunch of daisies.
Dad! Grace launched herself at him, and Tom gathered her in his arms. They clung to each other, both trembling.
I missed you, sweetheart. Mum wouldnt let me
I know, Dad. I know.
I watched them, suddenly suretheir separation had been more about Emmas pride and control than anything else.
When they finally parted, I crouched down beside Grace.
Sweetheart, tell me honestlywould you like to live with your dad?
No hesitation. Yes.
I looked at Tom. And you?
Ive wanted that ever since I left, he admitted. Shes my world. Emmawell, I couldnt cope, but I never gave up on Grace. She blocked me every way.
Next day, I called social services. Explained everythingmum left a child without notice for a month, father willing and able to take her.
The process took several days. Meetings, checks, endless paperwork. Grace was firmshe wanted to live with Tom. He produced payslips, described his flat, submitted everything asked.
A week later, Grace moved in with her dad.
I visit often, watching Grace bloom. She helps in the kitchen, Tom proudly praising each wobbly slice. They laugh together, swap silly jokes, and Tom tucks her ineven though shes almost a teenager now. Ive grown close to Tom too; hes calm and steady, without the fraught energy Emma used to radiate. Well have tea, chat about Graces schoolwork, plan the weekends.
Then Emma returnedin flip-flops and suntan, all holiday cheer, but her good mood vanished the moment she walked in.
You gave my daughter away?! she screeched. How could you?
I sipped my coffee, calm. I didnt give her to anyone. You did that yourself.
I left her with youfor a while!
For a month. You flew to another country and didnt even phone her.
Shes mine!
She was. Now a judge will decide. Toms applied for custody. He has a strong casethanks to your holiday, no less.
Emma blanched.
Court? What court?
Family court. To determine custody. Youll need a lawyer, Emmabut your odds arent good. Grace wants to live with her dad. Start getting readyfor maintenance payments.
Emma stormed out, furious, no goodbyes.
I leaned back in my chair, realizing things with Emma were probably broken for good now. Maybe forever. But I dont regret a thing. I still cant comprehend how she could dump her own child for a month.
Let this be Emmas lessonactions have consequences. You cant just use people and expect it to work out in your favour.
And GraceGrace is finally happy. Thats what truly matters.
